Effects of different alkaline metal salts (NaCl, KNO3), acid concentrations (H2SO4) and growth regulator (GA3) on the germination of Salvia cyanescens Boiss. & Bal. seeds

Abstract

In this study, the seed germination characteristics of Salvia cyanescens a plant which is endemic for Turkey and the effects on germination rates of such factors as temperature, alkaline metal salt (NaCl, KNO3) and acid (H2SO4) concentrations and growth-regulating (GA3) substances are examined. At the end of the study, it was observed that the seed was not dormant; germination was promoted by cold-wet process at -5°C; low concentrations of NaCl and KNO3 (0.5%, 1%) brought up high germination percentage, but higher concentrations (2%>) inhibited the germination; all of the H2SO4 concentrations (0.5%-3%) inhibited the germination completely; at 1% GA3 application in different media (Jacobsen and Rodewald apparatus, Plant Growth Chamber, Room conditions) the highest germination percentage occurred in the Jacobsen apparatus and the lowest in the plant growth chamber.