Germination Characteristics of Lathyrus japonicus Willd. for Landscaping and Vegetation Restoration in Seacoast

Abstract

Á síðustu blaðsíðu greinarinnar er samantekt á ensku, annars er greinin á japönsku. Hér er AI ágrip: Summary of the Article Objective: The study aimed to investigate the germination characteristics of Lathyrus japonicus to utilize this plant in coastal areas for landscaping and conservation. Seed Dormancy: It was found that Lathyrus japonicus seeds exhibit hard seed dormancy, a common trait in the legume family. Sulfuric Acid Treatment: Treating seeds with 96% sulfuric acid effectively broke this dormancy by causing holes and cracks in the seed coat. A 40-minute sulfuric acid soak achieved a germination rate of over 90% at temperatures between 10°C and 20°C within 30 days of sowing. However, at higher temperatures (25°C and 30°C), the germination rate and speed decreased. Seed Storage: Sulfuric acid-treated seeds stored under various conditions (dry storage at 3°C, dry storage at room temperature, and general room conditions) maintained their germination ability for at least one year. Soil Cover Experiment: In an experiment with sand from native areas, 80% germination was observed even with a 6 cm soil cover, indicating good viability under natural conditions. The findings suggest that chemical treatment (sulfuric acid) can be a useful method to enhance seed germination for restoration projects and landscaping efforts in coastal regions.