The present work was conducted to study the effect of stratification period and temperature on germination behaviour of Rhododendron arboreum Smith under laboratory condition as scanty information is available on seed germination parameters of this species in addition to its overexploitation of flowers and poor natural regeneration. The study involved different stratification period (P0 to P4) and temperature (T1 to T4) mentioned as, P0 (control, no stratification), P1 (2weeks), P2 (4weeks), P3 (6weeks), P4 (8 weeks) each under different temperatures of T1 (-4 ± 1oC in deep freezer), T2 (0 ± 1oC in freezer), T3 (4 ± 1oC in incubator), T4 (room temperature). Regarding stratification period, P1(2 weeks) was significantly best for its germination providing highest germination percentage (70.50%), germination capacity (74.00%), germination energy (30.08%) and germination speed (1.72) germination value (4.33), Germination index (1.75) whereas for stratification temperature, room temperature (T4) showed maximum germination percentage (55.87%), germination capacity (67.87%), germination energy (27.53%) and germination speed (1.73) germination value (3.78), germination index (1.70). From the present investigation, it was concluded that stratification period of 2 weeks at room temperature (P1T4) was best for seed germinability. Keeping in view the ecological and economic value of the species, this study was carried out.

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