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Threshold temperatures for seed germination in nine species of Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 December 2015

Stefania Catara ,
Antonia Cristaudo ,
Andrea Gualtieri ,
Rosario Galesi ,
Carmen Impelluso  and
Andrea Onofri
Stefania Catara
Affiliation:
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy
Antonia Cristaudo*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy
Andrea Gualtieri
Affiliation:
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy
Rosario Galesi
Affiliation:
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy
Carmen Impelluso
Affiliation:
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Empedocle 58, 95128 Catania, Italy
Andrea Onofri
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
*
*Correspondence E-mail: acristau@unict.it
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Abstract

Light and fluctuating temperatures are two important factors triggering seed germination. The aim of this work was to: (1) elucidate the effect of temperature, light regime and storage time on seed germination in nine taxa of Verbascum spp., collected from different habitats in the Mediterranean area; and (2) estimate threshold temperatures for seed germination. For all taxa, germination assays were performed at constant and fluctuating temperatures, both in continuous darkness (D) and in alternating light/dark (L/D; 12 h photoperiod). Final germinated proportions (FGPs), base (T b), optimal (T o) and cut-off (T c) temperatures were derived. At constant temperatures, seed germination was strongly suppressed under the D regime. In L/D, the effect of storage time was very small and the highest FGPs were observed from 15 to 30°C (40–100%), depending on the species. T b ranged from below 7 to above 10°C and it appeared to be constant within each seed lot. T o and T c showed some within-lot variability and were higher for fast-germinating seeds in each lot. Considering fluctuating temperatures, germination appeared to be quicker and more complete than at constant temperatures. The germination of Verbascum spp. is favoured in L/D and fluctuating temperatures, which explains their pioneer character when positioned near the soil surface and under a low vegetation canopy. V. arcturus and V. pinnatifidum were shown to be less favoured by L and fluctuating temperatures, which might explain their ability to germinate in rocky areas or sandy dunes, even when they are not directly exposed to the light.

Keywords

cardinal temperaturesconstant and alternating temperatureslight regimeseed germinationstorage timethermal-timeVerbascum plant species
Type
Research Papers
Information
Seed Science Research , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , March 2016 , pp. 30 - 46
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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