Factors influencing the germination of myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. and L-floribunda Jack) seeds

Hung, L. Q., Hong, T. D. and Ellis, R. H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3695-6894 (2004) Factors influencing the germination of myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. and L-floribunda Jack) seeds. Seed Science and Technology, 32 (1). pp. 35-41. ISSN 0251-0952

Abstract/Summary

Gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate did not promote the germination of myrtle seeds when tested at 20/30degreesC (16/8h). Germination was promoted considerably by alternating temperatures. The results of an investigation on a two-dimensional temperature gradient plate showed that myrtle seeds germinated most rapidly (within 14 days) and fully (all viable seeds) at 35/22.5degreesC (16/8 h) and similar regimes. Tests on five seed lots of Lagerstroemia speciosa and L. floribunda showed the efficacy of the alternating temperature regime of 35/20degreesC (16/8 h) in promoting germination. Thus we recommend myrtle seeds be tested for germination in this regime for 28 days.