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Germination of Wild Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

J. S. Bannon ,
J. B. Baker  and
R. L. Rogers
J. S. Bannon
Affiliation:
Plant Pathol. Dep., Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA 70803
J. B. Baker
Affiliation:
Plant Pathol. Dep., Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA 70803
R. L. Rogers
Affiliation:
NE. La. Exp. Stn., Box 438, St. Joseph, LA 71366
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Abstract

Germination studies were conducted on seed of wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla L.) collected in 1974 and 1975. Significant differences in germination existed between the seedlots. An alternating temperature regime of 25/35 C was optimum for germination, and no effect of light was noted at this temperature regime. However, light increased germination at temperatures of 25, or 35 C, and decreased it at 10/35 C. Storage of wild poinsettia seeds at 36 C for 2 to 12 weeks caused a significant decrease in dormancy as compared to corresponding storage at 5 C. Seed moisture levels below 7.7% did not seem to affect viability at 5 or 25 C after a storage period of 3 to 9 months. Seed viability decreased rapidly when seed were stored for 3 months at 25 C with a moisture content of 10.8% or at 5 or 25 C with a moisture content of 18.6%. Seeds buried in the fall at a depth of 5 cm germinated extensively in the field 9 months later. Field germination decreased as depth of burial increased.

Type
Research Article
Information
Weed Science , Volume 26 , Issue 3 , May 1978 , pp. 221 - 225
Copyright
Copyright © 1978 by the Weed Science Society of America 

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References

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