Methods to Improve Seed Germination of Cactaceae Species

R. E. Sestras, G. Feszt, L. Mihalte

Abstract: Responses of seed germination to different chemical treatments were investigated for species belonging to Rebutia, Aylostera, Mediolobivia and Sulcorebutia genera (Cactaceae). Germination was optimal when the seeds immersed for 8 hours in aqueous solution, which contained sodium nitrofenolate (1.8%), and the germination percentage decreased when just tap water has been used. Maximal germination obtained for seeds that immersed for 8 hours in an aqueous solution, which contained 9% naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The germination was completely blocked when the seeds were treated with salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid. Whatever treatment option has applied, the species A. kieslingii recorded the lowest percentage of germination energy and germination capacity. The species M. orurensis recorded the highest percentage of germination energy, and R. var. spiniflorum kupperiana the highest percentage of germination capacity. In addition, high values of germination capacity were present in A. buniningiana, A. narvacensis, A. pseudodeminuta, R. var. luteispina violaciflora. As the process to obtain new plants in cacti is a difficult one, a database designed to improve cacti seed germination using different chemical treatments can be extremely useful for seed production industry.

Keywords: Auxin; Cactaceae species; germination capacity; germination energy

Date published: 2019-10-09