Seed germination characteristics and seedling establishment of some silane species

ABSTRACT

The response of seven species of Silene to temperature, salt stress and pH was evaluated. The germination of seeds exhibited considerable variability in germination percentage and germination rate index in response to constant and alternating temperatures [20 to 30°C], salt concentrations [0 to 10.000 ppm] and pH [6 to 8]. The optimum germination temperature was the alternating 20/30°C. The maximum temperature for germination was between 30 and 35°C and the minimum was between 15 and 20°C. The seedlings of S. rubella and S. behen were more tolerant to salt concentration [up to 250 ppm] than the other five species. The optimum pH for seed germination were at pH 8 with decrease in germination at values below pH 6. The radicle length was maximum at an alternating 20/30°C for S. conoidea and the hypocotyl length was maximum at 30°C for S. apetala var. grandiflora. With increased salt concentration [from 0 to 10,000 ppm] the radicle and hypocotyl were reduced in length. Shorter radicles at pH 8 were found with S. nocturna and S. villosa but shorter hypocotyl at pH 4 was S. apetala var. grandiflora