Developing methodological approaches for determining seed germination of common St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

Abstract

Increasingly high requirements for the seed material of medicinal crops are set, which must be harmonized with international standards and requirements. There are guidelines for good cultivation and harvesting practice (GACP) of plant raw materials. The production of medicinal plant raw materials requires not just varietal seeds, but also seed material with high sowing qualities. Therefore, seed quality control is a mandatory measure, which is not possible without established methods for determining its sowing quality. Particular attention in the study of these issues requires the seeds of medicinal plants that are grown for a short time in the culture, which includes St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). According to the results of the analysis of scientific literature and normative documents, it is established that in Ukraine for a wide range of medicinal and essential oil crops, including St. John’s wort, there are no regulations (current standards) for methods of determining sowing qualities, technical conditions for seeds. At the same time, the most important indicator of seed sowing qualities is germination. The level of germination is established by the standard ensures normal germination of seeds in the field, the formation of optimal crop density and crop yields. This indicator is basic in the purchase and sale of seeds, the release of seeds for sowing. Therefore, the aim of the work was to develop methodological approaches to determine the germination of St. John’s wort seeds using standard procedures and techniques used in domestic and international practice. The methodological approaches given for other cultures in normative documents both in force in Ukraine and abroad were taken into account. It is established that the methodological features of determining the indicators of germination energy and seed germination of St. John’s wort are the possibility of using filter paper or sand as a substrate for germination. The optimal substrate is filter paper, and the method of germination — on the filter. For seed germination on filter paper and in sand it is recommended to use a constant temperature (+20°C) or variable (+ 20–30°C). Terms of accounting: germination energy — 10, germination — 21 days. Developed methodological approaches to determine the germination of seeds of St. John’s wort are recommended for use in testing laboratories, seed plants and research institutions.