ISHS Acta Horticulturae 517: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 7: Quality of Horticultural Products
SEED QUALITY OF A COMMERCIAL VERBENA HYBRID |
| Authors: | P.J. Jansen van Vuuren, A.C. Lubbe |
| Keywords: | Verbena x hybrida, seed viability, germination |
| Abstract:
Verbena seed quality was evaluated in terms of seed viability, i.e. seed germination value was tested in terms of the influence of temperature on germination percentage and germination rate. During three experiments, non-dormant seeds were exposed to continuous constant temperatures and alternating diurnal temperatures. Seeds were germinated on germination paper inside clear petri dishes, using dark temperature-controlled incubators. Cumulative germination was modelled by the Weibull distribution function, correlating closely (R2 ≥0,99) to the observed germination data. No germination occurred at constant 10°C. Significantly (P≤0,05) reduced germination occurred at constant 15°C and at irregular fluctuating temperatures, while 25°C was assumed as a cardinal constant temperature. Controlled fluctuations did not significantly reduce germination. It is recommended that only hermetically sealed Verbena seeds are germinated according to current germination recommendations, at any manageable temperature regime between 28°C day and 14°C night temperatures. | |
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