Effects of different priming methods on seed germination of Carex leucochlora

As an excellent turf ground cover, Carex leucochlora has potential application in landscape construction. However, the large-scale development and utilization of seeds are limited due to the long germination time. The effects of different initiators and methods on seed germination of C. leucochlora were studied. The results showed that 5% KNO₃ and 480 mg·L⁻¹ GA₃ had the best priming effect on C. leucochlora seeds. Compared with the untreated seeds (CK), their germination potential increased by 11% and 32% respectively, the germination rate of both increased by 4%, the germination index increased by 2.06 and 2.69, respectively, and the average germination time was shortened by 2.11 d and 2.72 d, respectively. In the mixed treatment experiment, the best treatment was found to be the protocol in which seeds were first initiated with 5% KNO₃, then soaked in 10% NaOH solution for 20 min, and then initiated by addition of 480 mg·L⁻¹ GA₃. With this protocol, the germination potential and germination rate were increased by 92% and 5% compared with the untreated seeds. Similarly, the germination index was increased by 5.92, and the average germination time was shortened from 9.01 d to 4.46 d. This study solved the problems of slow germination of C. leucochlora seeds, and provided a basis for the large-scale application of C. leucochlora in the garden green space.