IMPROVEMENT OF SEED GERMINATION AND STAND ESTABLISHMENT OF GLOBE ARTICHOKE UNDER SALT STRESS CONDITIONS

Artichoke seeds germinate slowly and are difficult to establish by direct seeding in the open field compared to other vegetable seeds.
The presented study aimed to reduce germination period, increase seed germination percentage, and also to improve seedling quality even under stress conditions.
Seeds of globe artichoke, cv.
Green Globe were either sown directly in the field soil, in cell trays filled with substrate or germinated under laboratory conditions into Petri dishes.
Pre-treated seeds with hot (60°C) or cold (7°C) water, plant-strengthening agent (Bacillus subtilis) and CaCl₂ (5 mM) were sown, and the germination percentage was recorded.
The best early germinated seedlings in cell trays were exposed to three water EC levels (1.5, 4.5 and 7.5 dS m^-1), and seedling quality was evaluated.
Results showed positive effects for all seed pre-treatments in improving seed germination percentage compared to untreated seeds at all investigated conditions.
Seed soaking into either hot or cold water was the best for seed germination.
Salinity caused significant reduction in seedling quality (vegetative growth and nutrient contents). Vegetative growth characters, e.g., seedling height, leaf number, leaf area and dry weight of shoots and roots were gradually reduced by increasing EC level from 1.5 to 7.5 dS m^-1. Salinity reduced essential nutrients (K and Ca) and increased harmful elements (Na and Cl) in seedling tissues. Bacillus subtilis ranked first for improving seedling quality, followed by CaCl₂, while seed soaking into hot or cold water showed little improvement for seedling under salinity conditions.

V International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops

S.A. Saleh

germination, seedling quality, salinity, Bacillus subtilis FZB24, CaCl₂, hot/ cold water, Cynara scolymus

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.898.39