Die Bodenkultur - Journal for Land Management, Food and Environment

E. I. Magyar, W. Opitz von Boberfeld, L. Szemán und H. Laser:

Germination features of herbs among lab conditions

Summary

The germination of herbs in extensive agriculture is a critical issue. There are difficulties associated with seed germination, as much depends on individual herb species. The germination behaviour of Achillea collina, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata, Salvia pratensis and Thymus vulgaris were tested in climate chambers, varying the factors light, media and pre-chilling. Most species germinated best under conditions of inhibited light, or darkness. Only Achillea collina germinated more effectively in full light. The influence of the medium was important for all species except Salvia pratensis. For Plantago lanceolata the growth medium was the most important influence. The dominant influence on Hypericum perforatum and Thymus vulgaris was the seed year. The light x medium interaction was statistically significant for most species. Key words: Germination, laboratory test, herbs, environmental factors, plant community.