Background:

Seed coats act as mechanical barriers and can induce physical dormancy by limiting water absorption. Pinus coulteri seeds have a hard seed coat, which is associated with low germination percentages and extended germination periods-an ecological disadvantage for endangered species. This study evaluated the effect of pre-germination treatments on the germination dynamics of P. coulteri seeds stored for over ten years.

Hypotheses:

Pre-germinative treatments improve the germination dynamics of P. coulteri.

Studied species:

Pinus coulteri D.Don.

Study site and dates:

Baja California (2010-2011); Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo Campus (2023-2024).

Methods:

A total of 432 seeds were used in a completely randomized factorial experimental design (2 × 3 × 2: hydration × scarification × hydrogen peroxide), established under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Germinative capacity was analyzed using a generalized linear model, and germination dynamics were fitted with the four-parameter Hill function.

Results:

Although no significant differences in germinative capacity were observed between conditions, seeds germinated faster in the laboratory, while the greenhouse showed greater uniformity. Scarification, hydrogen peroxide application, and the hydration × hydrogen peroxide interaction were the most relevant factors in improving germination.

Conclusions:

Some pre-germination treatments favor the germination process, and laboratory conditions offer greater precision for characterizing germination dynamics. In addition, P. coulteri seeds exhibited high viability after long-term storage.

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