Abstract: The seed germination responses of Lycium chinense, L. ruthenicum, He
dysarum scorpaium, and Nitraria sphaerocarpa from Hexi Corridor were exami
ned after stored in a cold room (-5 ℃, moist) during winter, in a refrigerator
 
(4 ℃, moist) for 65 days, and at room temperature (20 ℃, dry) for 6 months. The seeds of L. barbarum, L. ruthenicum, and H. scorpaium after stored moist at -5 ℃ and 4 ℃ had higher germination percentage and rate, and an earlier time to the onset of germination, compared with those stored dry at room temperature. The germination percentage of L. ruthenicum seeds was 80% after stored moist in the cold room and in the refrigerator, and only 5% after stored dry at room temperature. 88% and 65% of H. scorpaium seeds germinated after stored moist in the cold room and in the refrigerator, respectively, and 40% of them germinated after stored dry at room temperature. L. barbarum seeds had a germination percentage of 68% after stored moist in the cold room, but of less than 20% after stored humid in the refrigerator and at room temperature. Storage condition had no significant effects on the seed germination of N. sphaerocarpa, and the maximum germination percentage in all storage treatments ranged from 18% to 27%. Therefore, cold stratification (-5 ℃ and 4 ℃) could be an efficient method to break the seed dormancy for L. barbarum, L. ruthenicum, and H. scorpaium, but not for N. sphaerocarpa.

Key words: West arid zone, Ecological water demand, Ground water level, Natural vegetation, Tarim River