BA: 

19960308771

ET: 

Ecophysiology of seed germination in endemic labiates of Crete.

AU: 

Thanos, C. A.; Doussi, M. A.

AA: 

Department of Botany, University of Athens, Athens 15784, Greece.

SO: 

Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, 1995, Vol.43, No.3, pp.227-237, 21 ref.

AB: 

Ecophysiological aspects of seed germination were investigated in 4 aromatic labiate plants of Crete - Origanum dictamnus (dittany), Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca (Cretan mountain tea), Salvia pomifera subsp. pomifera (gall-bearing sage) and Salvia fruticosa (3-lobed sage). Experiments were performed at constant temperatures and in darkness as well as under temperature and light conditions simulating those prevailing in nature during the main germination periods (i.e. the start (Nov.) and middle (Feb.-Mar.) of the rainy season). In 3 out of 4 species, no particular dormancy was revealed and germination occurred rather promptly, although at a rather narrow range of cool temperatures and at a relatively slow rate; both characteristics determine and/or support early seed germination and seedling establishment in autumn. In the 4th species, Sideritis syriaca , germination was manifested at relatively warm temperatures and at a considerably faster rate, in accordance with its alpine distribution, favouring spring seedling emergence and establishment. All 4 species showed an intermediate response towards light, as a result of their intermediate levels of active phytochrome maintenance in darkness. Therefore, seed germination was partially manifested in darkness but was significantly enhanced (particularly at suboptimal temperatures) by white or red light; on the other hand, illumination with far-red light (simulating light conditions under a canopy) resulted in significant inhibition compared with dark controls.

DE: 

phytochrome; seed germination; seeds; germination; physiology; light; temperature; essential oil plants; red light; far red light

OD: 

Salvia; Sideritis; Origanum dictamnus; Lamiales

ID: 

Sideritis syriaca; Salvia pomifera; Salvia fruticosa

UP: 

Lamiaceae; dicotyledons; angiosperms; Spermatophyta; plants; Origanum; Sideritis; Salvia

IS: 

0792-9978

CC: 

FF060

LA: 

English

DT: 

Journal article

SC: 

Horticultural Abstracts; Crop Physiology Abstracts; Seed Abstracts