EFFECT OF FIRE TEMPERATURE ON GERMINATION OF BLACK LOCUST SEED (ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA L.)

The paper presents the research results of the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seed germination ability in conditions of stress caused by high temperature due to simulation of fire in nature (100 C for 2.5 and 5 minutes). The seed germination of two genotypes of black locust was examined using a standard method, The result was presented using quantitative indicators of germination (technical germination, germination energy). The research aim was to examine the tolerance of black locust seed against fires in nature which is a knowledge that can be useful regarding black locust natural regeneration and nursery production. Both studied quantitative indicators showed differences regarding seed germination, as well as a significant influence of the applied treatment. The differences in the germination ability were recognized comparing untreated seeds with those treated by high temperature. Generally speaking, the black locust seed viability is sensitive to the heat treatment (100 C for 2.5 and 5 minutes). The obtained results indicate that the black locust seed germination ability was present although it was poor. The differences in terms of reaction to the duration of exposure to high temperature were also evident. The black locust seed germination indicators showed a decrease in germination with longer exposure to high temperature. Also, the effect of high temperature increased the percentage of rotten seed, while decreased the percentage of healthy ungerminated seeds, These results are important for further researches on tolerance of black locust seed (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) against natural fires,