Seed propagation and seed anatomy of three Eucomis species

The genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) includes some of the most commonly used South African medicinal plants and contains species with ornamental potential.
The development of a rapid, large scale propagation system for Eucomis has become a necessity in order to ensure a sustainable supply of plant material.
However, the main production challenges with Eucomis species are a failure to germinate and slow propagation rates which have been linked to anatomical and environmental factors.
Anatomically the seed used, presented a typical pattern of seeds of the Hyacinthaceae family.
All three species exhibited similar seed structures with a seed coat consisting of four layers.
The temperature had a significant effect on the seed germination and seedling emergence of the species studied.
The highest germination percentage was observed in E. comosa (87%). The seedling emergence percentage was the highest in E. autumnalis (80%) at 20°C. The germination and emergence were inhibited at 10°C for all species and reduced at 30°C. The growth medium used affected the emergence and growth of Eucomis seedlings.

VII International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops – SEST2016

I.M. Makena, B. Matsiliza-Mlathi, R. Kleynhans

Eucomis, germination, emergence

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1204.35