Abstract

ROSAS-LOPEZ, Ulises  and  COLLAZO-ORTEGA, Margarita. Conditions for the germination and the early growth of seedlings of Polaskia chichipe (Goss.) Backeberg and Echinocactus platyacanthus Link and Otto fa. grandis (Rose) Bravo-Hollis (Cactaceae): (with 2 tables & 2 figures). Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2004, vol.73, pp.213-220. ISSN 1851-5657.

The effect of different combinations of chemical scarification, soaking and substrates (ex vitro and in vitro) on seed germination ofPolaskia chichipe (Goss.) Backeberg and Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto fa. grandis (Rose) Bravo-Hollis, collected in the Tehuacan Valley, Mexico, were studied. The P chichipe seeds did not require either chemical scarification or soaking, whereas E platyacanthus required chemical scarification with strong acids. Growth and maintenance of the seedlings was evaluated in two different concentrations of Murashige-Skoog medium (50% and 100% of their components). It was found that MS 50% stimulated germination in both species and promoted seedling growth.

Keywords : Polaskia chichipe; Echinocactus platyacanthus; cacti; seed germination; establishment; seedling growth.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )