Articles
STUDIES ON SEED GERMINATION OF TUNISIAN JUJUBES
Article number
840_43
Pages
315 – 320
Language
English
Abstract
In Tunisia, Ziziphus genus is represented by one native species: Z. lotus and two others acclimated: Z. zizyphus (ex. Z. vulgaris) and Z. spina-christi. Works on the propagation or the seed germination of these jujubes in our country are scanty.
The first trials started with Laamouri (1996, 2005) and Laamouri et al. (1999, 2000, 2006). This paper is a contribution to improve the celerity and the seed germination rates using some new treatments.
The seeds of the three jujube species mentioned above were submitted to tests of seed viability using tetrazolium staining, and raising and germination at six different temperatures and five chemical treatments at a concentration of 100 ppm, during one hour.
The jujube seeds exhibited high rates of viability: 96% for Z. lotus, 94% for Z. spina-christi and 62.75% for Z. zizyphus. At 30°C, Z. lotus, Z. zizyphus and Z. spina-christi showed a germination capacity of 77, 37 and 67%, respectively, but only 19, 5 and 37% at the room temperature.
The requirement in high temperature seems to be closely related to the geographical origins of these species.
The treatment with GA3 as well as the interaction with Ca(NO3)2 have increased the germination rate of Z. lotus seeds and Z. spina-christi (>60%). This hormone seems to remove the embryonic seed dormancy.
Ca(NO3)2 gave satisfactory results especially for Z. zizyphus in which the germination capacity has increased from 5 to 56% in presence of KNO3 (Td). Concerning the seeds raising, a notable improvement was recorded for the three species with all treatments, especially in presence of GA3 which is known for its role in speeding the emergence of hypocotyls.
The choice of the best temperature and treatment is a sine qua none for reducing embryonic dormancy, activating and improving jujube seeds germination, particularly for Z. zizyphus. The recorded observations on Tunisian jujubes seeds may contribute to a better understanding of their germination behaviour and requirement, facilitate their propagation and improve their economical and ecological standards.
The first trials started with Laamouri (1996, 2005) and Laamouri et al. (1999, 2000, 2006). This paper is a contribution to improve the celerity and the seed germination rates using some new treatments.
The seeds of the three jujube species mentioned above were submitted to tests of seed viability using tetrazolium staining, and raising and germination at six different temperatures and five chemical treatments at a concentration of 100 ppm, during one hour.
The jujube seeds exhibited high rates of viability: 96% for Z. lotus, 94% for Z. spina-christi and 62.75% for Z. zizyphus. At 30°C, Z. lotus, Z. zizyphus and Z. spina-christi showed a germination capacity of 77, 37 and 67%, respectively, but only 19, 5 and 37% at the room temperature.
The requirement in high temperature seems to be closely related to the geographical origins of these species.
The treatment with GA3 as well as the interaction with Ca(NO3)2 have increased the germination rate of Z. lotus seeds and Z. spina-christi (>60%). This hormone seems to remove the embryonic seed dormancy.
Ca(NO3)2 gave satisfactory results especially for Z. zizyphus in which the germination capacity has increased from 5 to 56% in presence of KNO3 (Td). Concerning the seeds raising, a notable improvement was recorded for the three species with all treatments, especially in presence of GA3 which is known for its role in speeding the emergence of hypocotyls.
The choice of the best temperature and treatment is a sine qua none for reducing embryonic dormancy, activating and improving jujube seeds germination, particularly for Z. zizyphus. The recorded observations on Tunisian jujubes seeds may contribute to a better understanding of their germination behaviour and requirement, facilitate their propagation and improve their economical and ecological standards.
Publication
Authors
A. Laamouri, Y. Ammari, A. Albouchi, A. Dachraoui, M.T. Yakoubi
Keywords
jujube species, viability, germination, temperature, treatment, Tunisia
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