Abstract
Costus arabicus L. (Costaceae) is a tropical species native from Brazil. The species has ornamental potential as garden and vase plant, and for flower and stem cutting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seed germination of C. arabicus under different of light and temperature conditions. Seeds subjected to constant temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 °C under photoperiod of 12 h of light or dark. The parameters analyzed were percentage of germination and germination speed index (GSI). The highest germination percentage (70%) was under temperature of 30 °C, both in light or dark. The GSI showed that the germination rate increases as temperature increases, mainly on 30 °C. C. arabicus seeds germinated in the presence or absence of light, thus was considered neutral photoblastic and germination on light under 30 °C was more efficient for seed germination.
Highlights
The cultivation of tropical flowers in Brazil is increasing, due to favorable environmental conditions, such as land, water and energy that makes its economic competitive in comparison to foreign producers (JUNQUEIRA and PEETZ 2008; LOGES et al, 2005)
C. arabicus fruits were collected from cultivated plants at the Experimental Garden of Núcleo de Pesquisa em Plantas Ornamentais (NPPO), Instituto de Botânica (São Paulo State, Brazil)
Seed germination started on the seventh day after the experiment starts, on seeds subjected to temperatures of 30 °C - Light and on the tenth day for 30 °C - Dark (Figure 1)
Summary
The cultivation of tropical flowers in Brazil is increasing, due to favorable environmental conditions, such as land, water and energy that makes its economic competitive in comparison to foreign producers (JUNQUEIRA and PEETZ 2008; LOGES et al, 2005). Costus arabicus L. is an herbaceous species, with simple leaves without stipules, distributed in spiral arrangement around the stem and has great ornamental interest. Many species with ornamental potential are not used by the lack of adequate information on their propagation and cultivation. Seed germination is a complex process and depends on various environmental factors such as temperature, light, humidity and substrate (GHERSA et al, 1992). Light and temperature are the main factors that control seed germination (BASKIN and BASKIN, 1988; BEWLEY and BLACK, 1994). The aim of this study was to evaluate the seed germination percentage and germination velocity index of C. arabicus L. under different light and temperature conditions. Effect of light and temperature on germination of Costus arabicus L., seeds an tropical ornamental species
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