GERMINATION OF RUBUS-PALMATUS VAR COPTOPHYLLUS AND R-MICROPHYLLUS SEEDS BURIED IN SOIL FOR 7.5 YEARS

Seeds of two Rubus species, R. palmatus var. coptophyllus and R. micro phyllus, buried for 7.5 years in soil were subjected to germination te sts to investigate their germinability and germination traits. Most of the retrieved seeds were viable, and germinated at the alternating te mperatures of 20/30-degrees-C in both light and dark. The two Rubus sp ecies showed similar responses of germination to temperature and light , although the final percentages of germination were slightly higher i n R. palmatus var. coptophyllus. These characteristics of seed dormanc y and germination would be involved in the species' utilization of eph emeral habitats created by unpredictable and infrequent disturbances.