Seed germination and storage behaviour of Lapiedra martinezii (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

Seed germination of Lapiedra martinezii under different temperature regimes and light/dark conditions was evaluated as well as the effect of cold and warm pre-treatments and gibberellic acid applications. Germination percentages of almost 100% were achieved at 20°C. High germination percentages (> 60%) were obtained at 17°C, 30/20°C and 25/16°C, while seeds rarely germinated at 17/10°C. In general, light conditions influenced germination speed, but did not affect germination percentages. Warm pre-treatment increased germination rates, while cold stratification decreased germination parameters at all the assayed temperatures. The application of GA3 did not affect germination at concentrations between 0-0.75 g l-1 , while the proportion of germinated seeds decreased at higher concentrations. Seed dehydration in silica gel to 4.10% moisture content and cold storage at -20°C had no effect on germination, indicating orthodox storage behaviour. These first data on L. martinezii seed germination and storage behaviour can help to design and implement plant production procedures and seed conservation strategies for this species.