Authors: González-Benito, M.E.; Huertas-Micó, M.; Pérez-García, F.

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Volume 34, Number 1, April 2006 , pp. 143-150(8)

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

Abstract:

Chamaerops humilis (dwarf fan palm) is one of the two Palmaceae species native to Europe, with uses for gardening and revegetation. Its seed germination and conservation (short and medium term) are assessed. Seeds showed dormancy that could be broken by the use of sulphuric acid (15 min), increasing germination percentage from 34% to 68%. However, that initial dormancy disappeared after approximately 10 months storage at 15°C (89% germination). No germination was observed at 15°C, while no differences were found between 20°C, 25°C and 15°C (8-h darkness)/25°C (16-h light) regimens. When seeds were set to germinate after desiccation, final germination percentage decreased compared to that of non-desiccated seeds. However, seeds desiccated and stored (for 85 days) at low temperatures (5°C, -18°C, -80°C and -196°C) did not show lower germination percentages than stored non-desiccated seeds. The only storage temperature that decreased germination compared to that of control seeds was -196°C (liquid nitrogen). T₅₀ values (time to reach 50% of final germination percentage) also increased after storage in liquid nitrogen compared to the other temperatures. Medium-term storage (569 days) was studied at 15°C, 5°C and -18°C. Germination was slower (higher T₅₀ values) when storage was carried out at 5°C and -18°C than at 15°C.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-04-01

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