The genus of Fritillaria comprises attractive, ornamental and medicinal species. To date, 19 species of the genus Fritillaria are reported in Iran, of which 10 are endemic to the country which are at risk of extinction. This study aimed to identify the class and level of seed dormancy. It also introduced appropriate treatments to break dormancy for rapid and large-scale propagation of Fritillaria for restoration programs. Seed imbibition and phenology of embryos growth of 67 populations from 11 taxa have been studied when mature seeds showed a linear underdeveloped embryos. Temperature treatments of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C showed embryo growth at 5 °C as the best. Pre-chilling at 5 °C for 2 to 12 weeks showed a positive effect to break dormancy at 6 to 12 weeks depends on the species, ecotypes and populations. Germination of the seeds pre-chilled (at 5 °C) were assessed at different temperatures (5, 15 and 25 °C), GA3 (250 and 500 ppm) and combinations of both treatments while high germination percentages in all temperatures was achieved but faster at 25 °C. The optimal germination temperatures found for seeds of this genus, as well as its pre-chilling requirement at 5°C, suggested it is well adapted to a temperate climate. Fritillaria genus seeds showed various levels of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and its sensitivity to the temperature as an adaptive strategies for survival in unfavourable conditions. Hence, global warming may affect the long-term persistence of its population in the natural habitats due to emergence reduction.

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