Abstract:To understand the dormancy characteristics of Trema levigata seeds, seeds from the Shiping population (SP) and the Yuanmou population (YM) were used as materials to explore the effects of constant temperature, alternating temperature, gibberellin, and light intensity on seed germination. The morphology, 1000-seed weight, and moisture content of the seeds were also measured. The results showed that the 1000-seed weight of SP and YM was (1.203±0.005) and (0.945±0.006) g, respectively. Under constant temperature conditions, SP only germinated at 30 ℃; YM only germinated at 25 ℃ and 30 ℃. Alternating temperature significantly and consistently affected the germination of seeds from both populations. As the alternating temperature increased, the germination rate increased, and the germination lag and average germination time decreased. Gibberellin had a certain promoting effect on the germination of seeds from both populations, especially for YM, indicating that T. levigata has shallow physiological dormancy. Different light intensities had no significant effect on the germination of seeds from both populations, suggesting that T. levigata is a light-neutral seed. Under 30 ℃/20 ℃ and 70–140 μmol/(m2·s) light intensity, the germination rates of SP and YM were 86.67%–95.00% and 81.67%- 95.00%, respectively. These were the most suitable germination conditions for T. levigata. This provides a theoretical basis and technical guidance for afforestation and seedling cultivation of T. levigata and other species in the genus.