본 연구는 헛개나무 종자의 휴면 타파 방법과 발아 조건을 구명 하고자 실시하였다. 종피를 제거하지 않은 종자는 온도와 상관없이 발아하지 않았으나 종피를 제거하였을 경우에는 $15^{circ}C$에서 94%가 발아되었다. 종피를 파상하기 위한 휴면타파 방법은 농황산을 40분간 처리하는 것이 효과적이었다. 종자를 건조 저장하였을 경우 채종 후 5년까지도 발아능력은 유지하고 있으나 발아율이 다소 낮아졌고 평균발아일수가 길었다. 장기(5년) 저장한 종자는 30일 이상의 저온처리에 의하여 발아율이 높아져 저온처리효과가 인정되었다.
This study was conducted to investigate the optimum condition of breaking dormancy and to increase the germination rate of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. seeds. Germination of seeds which did not germinate at the various constant temperature was induced by the artificial breaking of seed coat, and the germination rate of seeds which the seed coats were broken was the highest(94%) at $15^{circ}C$. The germination rate of seed was highest when seeds were treated with concentrated $H_2SO_4$ for 40 minutes. When seeds were stored in dry condition, the germination capability was maintained up to 5 years after harvest. However, their germination rate become lowered and average germinating duration was extended. Germination rate of seeds which were stored for 5 years significantly increased by the low temperature treatment more than 30 days.
