Germination characteristic of Silphium perfoliatum L. seeds

Abstract

Silphium perfoliatum L. is a perennial and flowering crop that has been investigated in recent years for its potential as an energy plant, particularly for biogas production. A stand establishment by sowing of seeds is complicated, owing to the low germination capacity of untreated S. perfoliatum L. seeds. Consequently, germination experiments were carried out with two- to four-factor levels to determine the effect of selected factors (medium, pretreatment, light, temperature, prechilling) on dormancy and germination of S. perfoliatum L. seeds and to achieve maximum germination rate. All factors had a highly significant effect on germination. Germination experiments displayed a primary and physiological dormancy. Germination could be significantly increased by using a 0.05% GA3 solution during the imbibition phase, a light-dark cycle, alternating temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, and a wet stratification for seven days at 0°C. The experiments helped to fully exploit the germination potential and to develop a germination test method for S. perfoliatum L.