Abstract

ZALAZAR, M.; FUNES, G.  and  VENIER, M.P.. Factors affecting germination in Justicia squarrosa Griseb, a native forage species of the Chaco region of Argentina. Agriscientia [online]. 2009, vol.26, n.1, pp.1-6. ISSN 1668-298X.

Justicia squarrosa is a forage species that lives in different natural communities in Chaco Arido, where it is an important component of cattle diet in unfavourable drought periods. The aim of this work was to study the factors affecting seed germination in J. squarrosa. Different temperature regimes, light quality and water potential were considered. Seed germination capacity along time was also evaluated. Justicia squarrosa seed germination was conditioned by factors such as temperature and water potential. The highest germination percent was found at 25/15 ºC, both in light and dark. Seed germination decreased significantly below -0.2 MPa. Justicia squarrosa seeds did not respond to light treatments. After 48 months the percentage of seed germination was high. The results found in this article provide valuable information that will help to establish proper strategies for the species domestication and propagation.

Keywords : Justicia squarrosa; Germination; Temperature; Light; Water potential; Seed longevity.

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