Effects of light, temperature and pretreatments (scarification followed by cold stratification) on seed germination of Rhus coriaria L. were investigated in this study. Responses in germination varied and were clearly influenced by the methods used to break dormancy. Scarification with sulfuric acid for 60 min followed by cold stratification for 60 or 90 days in Rhus coriaria gave the highest germination percentage. Germination of the seeds pretreated with sulfuric acid for 60 min followed by cold stratification for 60 days differed significantly between light and temperature. Germination percentage and germination rate were the highest at 25/15 0C under 12 h photoperiod
