Seed germination of some introduced iris species during long-term storage

The article substantiates the feasibility of studying the issue of seed germination of iris species under conditions of introduction. The viability of iris seeds from the subgenus Limniris (Iris ensata Thunb., Iris pseudacorus L., Iris sanguinea Donn ex Hornem., Iris setosa Pall. ex Link, Iris versicolor L.) and Xyridion (Iris carthaliniae Fomin, Iris graminea L., Iris orientalis Thunb.) was estimated during long-term storage. Morphological and biological parameters of experimental seeds were descripted. The literature data on fast and one-time germination of seeds in representatives of the subgenus Limniris was confirmed. The seeds of this group began to germinate after 21-36 days from sowing them in pots. In the Xyridion group, seedlings appear after 2-4 months. The shortest period of seed germination (30 days) was observed for Iris pseudacorus, the longest (2 years 7 months) - for Iris graminea. The germination of iris seeds in moist habitats (subgenus Limniris) lasts for 4-6, the steppe species (subgenus Xyridion) - 9-11 years.