Optimizing seed germination and seedling vigour of Alepidea amatymbica and Alepidea natalensis

Authors: Mulaudzi, R.B.; Kulkarni, M.G.; Finnie, J.F.; Van Staden, J.

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Volume 37, Number 2, July 2009 , pp. 527-533(7)

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

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Abstract:

The rhizomes of Alepidea amatymbica and Alepida natalensis are widely used against colds, coughs, asthma, influenza, diarrhoea and abdominal cramp. As the reproductive biology of neither species is well defined, conditions and treatments required for optimum germination and vigour were studied. Seeds were exposed to varying light and temperature conditions and cold stratification. The effects of smoke-water, the novel smokecompound butenolide (3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one) and gibberellins and kinetin were also tested. A. amatymbica and A. natalensis achieved the highest seed germination (72.5% and 80%, respectively) at 25°C under 16 h photoperiod with a mean germination time (MGT) of 18 and 12 days, respectively. For both species no germination occurred at 35°C. Cold stratification (5°C) for 14-28 days significantly improved germination of both species (> 90%) compared with non-stratified seeds (control) at 25°C under 16 h photoperiod. Smoke-water application significantly improved both germination percentage and seedling vigour of A. natalensis.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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