Articles
Effect of temperature on the germination of Allium nigrum L. seeds associated with its GIS-derived ecological profile
Article number
1453_8
Pages
61 – 66
Language
English
Abstract
Allium nigrum is an attractive Mediterranean bulbous plant of ornamental value mainly due to its long and compact inflorescence.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of incubation temperature and cold stratification on the dormancy breaking and seed germination of A. nigrum. The germination responses of A. nigrum seeds were evaluated at four constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, and 25°C using temperature-controlled growth chambers with a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod.
Furthermore, the germination response of seeds stratified at 5°C for one month was evaluated at a low (10°C) and a high (20°C) incubation temperature. Τhe geographic information systems (GIS) was used to unveil the domestic ecological requirements of A. nigrum based on its distribution in Greece.
The results of the study indicated a specific temperature dependence on the germination of A. nigrum seeds.
Specifically, A. nigrum seeds seem to prefer a low temperature (10°C) for germination.
The germination percentage at 10°C was 93.33%, while no seed germinated at 15, 20, and 25°C. Furthermore, one-month cold stratification did not result in seed germination over a wide temperature range.
The GIS-derived ecological profile provided important information regarding the climate conditions (temperature, precipitation) under which A. nigrum populations are naturally adapted in wild habitats, facilitated the interpretation of the effect of temperature on seed germination, and informed for the appropriate conditions regarding its use as a new ornamental plant in man-made environments.
The GIS-profiling and the knowledge of the germination requirements of A. nigrum seeds are expected to support its sustainable exploitation as a new native plant of ornamental value.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of incubation temperature and cold stratification on the dormancy breaking and seed germination of A. nigrum. The germination responses of A. nigrum seeds were evaluated at four constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, and 25°C using temperature-controlled growth chambers with a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod.
Furthermore, the germination response of seeds stratified at 5°C for one month was evaluated at a low (10°C) and a high (20°C) incubation temperature. Τhe geographic information systems (GIS) was used to unveil the domestic ecological requirements of A. nigrum based on its distribution in Greece.
The results of the study indicated a specific temperature dependence on the germination of A. nigrum seeds.
Specifically, A. nigrum seeds seem to prefer a low temperature (10°C) for germination.
The germination percentage at 10°C was 93.33%, while no seed germinated at 15, 20, and 25°C. Furthermore, one-month cold stratification did not result in seed germination over a wide temperature range.
The GIS-derived ecological profile provided important information regarding the climate conditions (temperature, precipitation) under which A. nigrum populations are naturally adapted in wild habitats, facilitated the interpretation of the effect of temperature on seed germination, and informed for the appropriate conditions regarding its use as a new ornamental plant in man-made environments.
The GIS-profiling and the knowledge of the germination requirements of A. nigrum seeds are expected to support its sustainable exploitation as a new native plant of ornamental value.
Authors
I. Anestis, N. Krigas, E. Pipinis, Μ. Sofikitis, V. Anastasiadi, P. Tsoulpha, G. Tsoktouridis, S. Hatzilazarou, S. Kostas
Keywords
cold stratification, ecological profile, incubation temperature, seed dormancy, sexual propagation, Alliaceae
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