Effect of Photoperiod, Potassium Nitrate and Gibberellic Acid on Dormancy Breaking and Germination of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Seeds
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of photoperiod, gibberellic acid (GA3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on dormancy breaking and germination parameters in lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) seeds.
Materials and Methods: The germination responses of lavender seeds to different photoperiod conditions (16/8 h light/dark and 24 h dark), GA3 (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 ppm) and KNO3 (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm) treatments were determined under controlled conditions. Germination speed, germination potential, and mean germination time were evaluated as germination parameters.
Results: The photoperiod and GA3 significantly affected all germination parameters studied. Lavender seeds that were incubated under a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiodic condition had an 88.4% increase in germination speed and a 20.0% increase in germination potential, while mean germination time was 16.2% shorter compared to the seeds that were incubated in the dark. The most effective dose of GA3 was 375 ppm, which increased the speed and potential of germination by 54.2% and 31.3%, respectively, while reducing the mean germination time by 29.3%. KNO₃ only had a significant effect on germination potential, which increased by 12.3% at a concentration of 3.000 ppm. The combined application of GA3 with light and KNO₃ further increased the speed and potential of germination.
Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest that light significantly stimulates lavender seed germination. The combined application of 375 ppm GA3 with 3000 ppm KNO3 in a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod is an effective treatment for breaking dormancy and increasing germination.
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References
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