Abstract: Seeds of different varieties representing different species of the Vitis genus from three origins and distribution centers and their hybrids were used as experimental materials. The phenophases of blossom, berry and seed development; basic characteristics and initial germination of mature seeds; and the effect of cold stratification on germination of mature seeds were investigated. Seeds of all grape species and varieties had dormant characteristics. The embryos of grape seeds at maturation were entirely differentiated and did not change in size and morphological appearance during dormancy-release. Seeds of the American species were deeply dormant, and those of the Europe-Asia species were not deeply dormant. The dormancy degrees of other species and hybrid species were between those of the American and Europe-Asia species. The phenophases of blossom, berry and seed maturation differed among species and their hybrids. Seeds matured after berries, and the short interval between seed and berry maturation was related to the deep dormancy of seeds. Cold stratification for 60 days could significantly release the seed dormancy of the East-Asia species, Europe-Asia species, and hybrids of Europe-Asia and East-Asia species and East-Asia and Europe-Asia species, and could partially release the seed dormancy of the hybrids within American species and hybrids of Europe- Asia and American species, but almost had no effect on American species.

Key words: cold stratification, dormancy, germination, phenophase, Vitis seed