Effects of substrates and temperatures on Cynara cardunculus L. seed germination

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of substrates and temperatures on Cynara cardunculus seed germination. The tests encompassed the following substrates - filter paper, sand and compost. The follow-ing temperature regimes were applied on each substrate used for germination tests: 20/30°C (T 1), 20°C (T 2) and 25°C after 10-day chilling at 10°C (T 3). The analysis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences between the first counts and the total seed germination, depending on the substrate type, tempera-ture regime and medium × temperature regime interaction The highest germination was detected on filter paper, whereas the lowest was on sand. Furthermore, the highest germination was determined at a constant temperature of 20°C (T 2), while the lowest, at a temperature regime of 25°C after 10-day chilling at 10°C (T 3).