Scrophularia striata (Scrophulariace) grows naturally in the western parts of Iran. This study investigated the effects of mechanical and chemical scarification, moist chilling, soaking in gibberellic acid, after-ripening, and some combined treatments on seed germination behaviour of S. striata. Germination under standard conditions was 13%. Mechanical and chemical scarification of the seed coat improved germination. Furthermore, germination was promoted by moist chilling and chemicals, indicating ‘endogenous dormancy’. The best germination occurred in seeds soaked in 400 ppm GA3 for 24 hours and given moist chilling at 5°C for one week. In this treatment, total germination reached 92%. Dormant seeds showed low enzyme activity, while enzyme activity in treated seeds was significantly higher.

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