Vol. 71 No: 3

Title:
Light, Temperature and Duration of Storage Govern the Germination and Emergence of Taraxacum Officinale Seed

Authors:
W. LETCHAMO and A. GOSSELIN

pp: 373-378

Abstract:
Experiments were carried out on the effects of storage, light, temperature and depth of sowing on germination and emergence of seeds of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.). Treatments were arranged in factorial combinations of two light regimes, two temperature and four sowing depths in a completely randomized design followed by repeated measurements. Seeds were stored at 4°C and room temperature for nine months. Germination and emergence were tested under light and total darkness at 25°C and 10°C. The emergence tests consisted of 0.0 cm, 1.0 cm, 2.5 cm and 4.0 cm depths of sowing under similar light and temperature conditions to those used for germination tests. Seeds stored at +4°C for nine months had minimum reduction in cumulative germination, but storage at room temperature exceeding three months drastically reduced germination. Light and a higher temperature of 25°C promoted faster, uniform germination, while in darkness, the achievement of 50% of the final germination percentage (T₅₀) was delayed and a longer mean emergence time was needed. Similarly, shallow sowing of seeds at 0.0 cm and 1.0 cm depths under light and higher temperature promoted faster and uniform germination and emergence than deeper sown-seeds in darkness and/or at lower temperature. If faster and uniform emergence and plant establishment is desired, dandelion seed should be sown not more than 1.0 cm deep.

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