Service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is one of the rare woody plants in Slovakia. However, regarding the expected changes of global climate, Service tree should substitute some tender woody plants with higher sensitivity to drought in woodlands and landscape greenery. One of the key problems concerning the larger utilization of this species concerns its effective propagation. Successful propagation by seeds depends on rate of cross-pollination among fructifying plants (at least three flowering plants growing close to each other), in term of fruit collection and seed extraction. The presowing treatment of seeds is necessary for better germination response and reduction of germination period. Stratification of seeds under conditions with fluctuating temperature is more effective than using constant temperature during the presowing treatment. Pricking out of seedlings is important to avoid problems with negative effect of competition among them. According to own unpublished results the best time for this operation is between the stage of first leaf full expansion until the stage if intensive shoot growth (approx. 10 % of final length). Keywords: germination, generative propagation, seed treatment, seedlings, Sorbus domestica Schlagworte: Keimung, generative Vermehrung, Saatgutbehandlung, Sämlinge, Sorbus domestica
