Temperature and seed moisture govern germination and storage of gerbera seed
1995
Carpenter, W.J. | Ostmark, E.R. | Cornell, J.A.
Temperature, relative humidity (RH), desiccation, and hydration affect gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H Bolus ex Hook.f.) seed storage and germination. Germination percentages (G) were maximal and about equal at constant 15, 20, or 25C in darkness or light but lower at alternating temperatures having the same mean temperature. The number of days to 50% final germination (T50) and between 10% and 90% germination (T90- T10) required the fewest days at constant 25 or 30C; longer germination periods resulted with alternating temperatures. Reducing seed moisture from 7.1% to 3.5% had no effect on G, T50, or T90-T10. values, but at seed moisture levels <3.5%, G was lower and T50 and T90- T10 longer. Germination percentages were similar after seed storage from 5 to -5C, but G was lower after storage at -10C or lower. Low-temperature seed storage had no effect on T50 or T90-T10 values. Seeds had highest G and lowest T50 and T90-T10 values when germinated at 52% seed moisture, with large declines and delays in germination at lower and higher moisture levels. Seed storage for 12 months without reduction in germination was possible at 5C and 11% or 32% RH. Seeds stored at 52% RH lost G at all temperatures, and no seed germinated after storage at 75% RH and 15 or 25C. Seed stored at 5 or 15C and 11% to 32% RH had the fewest days to T50 and T90-T10.
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