The influence of temperature on the germination of seed of a commercial verbena hybrid

摘要

The influence of temperature on Verbena. x hybrida Voss seed germination was evaluated, in terms of current germination recommendations to overcome erratic and low germinatin. 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. No germination occurred at constant 10degC. Significantly (P<-0,05) reduced germination occurred at constant 15degC and at irregular fluctuating temperatures, while 25degC was assumed as a cardinal constant temperature. Controlled fluctuations did not significantly reduce germination. V.x hybrida seed should be germinated at any alternating diurnal temperature regime with a constant amplitude, between 28degC day and 14degC night temperatures.