In:
Herba Polonica, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Vol. 62, No. 2 ( 2016-6-1), p. 31-41
Abstract:
Introduction : Southern sweet-grass ( Hierochloë australis /Schrad./ Roem. et Schult., Poaceae ) is a perennial tuft-grass occurring in North-Eastern part of Europe. Its leaves are collected from wild growing plants as an aromatic raw material used in alcohol industry. Due to overharvest, attempts to introduce the plant into cultivation have been undertaken. Objective : This work aims to assess the influence of southern sweet-grass seeds (spikelets) storage and pre-sowing treatment on their germination and the initial growth of seedlings. Methods : The seeds were assessed directly after harvest and after 6, 18 and 30 months of storage. The investigated parameters, i.e. 1000 seed weight, moisture content, germinability and viability of seeds (tetrazoline test) were determined according to ISTA. Results : After 30 months of storage, the germinability of seeds decreased from 42.6 (after harvest) to 4.6% but their viability remained high (70.9%). Stratification, short rinse of stratified seed in H 2 SO 4 and application of KNO 3 or GA 3 had increased the seeds germination (over 70%). Conclusion : Southern sweet-grass seeds become dormant shortly after maturing. The improvement of germination requires the application of combined treatments, i.e. stratification, scarification and growth-promoting substances.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2449-8343
DOI:
10.1515/hepo-2016-0009
Language:
English
Publisher:
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2686323-6
