Study on the Difference of Seed Traits and Germination Characteristics of Rhododendron liliiflorum from Different Provenances

In order to select high quality Rhododendron liliiflorum germplasm resources which are valuable for development and utilization, the seed traits and germination characteristics of Rhododendron liliiflorum seeds from 7 different provenances in Guizhou Province were studied. The results showed that there were significant differences in length, width, thickness, size index and 1 000-grain weight of seeds from different sources, as well as significant differences in germination rate, germination potential, germination index and vitality index. The seed size index（0.91）, 1 000-grain weight（0.544 g） and all germination indexes of Majiang provenance were significantly higher than those of other provenance. Seed germination ability was mainly affected by seed size index, 1 000-grain weight and flattening rate, and germination indexes were significantly positively correlated with 1 000-grain weight. Seed size index had significant negative correlation with latitude, significant positive correlation with annual precipitation and frost-free period, and significant positive correlation with annual sunshine. The 1 000-grain weight of seed was positively correlated with average annual temperature, average annual precipitation and average annual sunshine. Seed flattening rate was positively correlated with latitude, negatively correlated with average annual temperature and sunshine, and negatively correlated with frost-free period. Latitude, average annual precipitation, average annual sunshine, average annual temperature and frost-free period can be used as the basis for the selection of high-quality seed sources of Rhododendron liliiflorum in Guizhou province. The results of cluster analysis showed that the seed characters and germination characteristics of Majiang provenances were the best among the 7 provenances. The provenances of Majiang can be used as high quality provenances of Rhododendron liliiflorum.