Seed quality of a commercial verbena hybrid

摘要

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 deg C. Significantly (P <= 0,05) reduced germination occurred at constant 15 deg C and at irregular fluctuating temperatures, while 25 deg 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 deg C day and 14 deg C night temperatures.