Abstract: 【Objective】To improve seed germination rate and seedling growth level of Sapium sebiferum, and provide scientific basis for Sapium sebiferum breeding.【Methods】Using L₉(3⁴) orthogonal experimental design to study the effects of different soaking solution, soaking time and matrix types on the germination and seedling growth of Sapium sebiferum.【Results】The result showed that the highest germination rate treatment for Sapium sebiferum seeds was 0.5% sodium hydroxide solution soaked 24 h, and seeded in sandy loam & peat (3∶7), and the best growth treatment was 10% edible alkali soaked 24 h and seeded in peat soil∶ humus soil∶ perlite(3∶5∶2). Meanwhile, the effect of treatment solution on seed germination rate was very significant(P<0.01), the type of substrate also had a significant impact on seed germination rate(P<0.05), while the soaking time had no significant impact on germination rate(P>0.05). The type of substrate had a significant impact on seedling growth(P>0.05), while the different soaking solution and soaking time had no significant impact on seedling growth.【Conclusion】The germination rate and growth potential of Sapium sebiferum were improved by changing the seed soaking solution, seed soaking time and substrate type.

Key words: Sapium sebiferum, Seed germination, Germination rate, Seedling growth