PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON THE SEED GERMINATION OF RUMEX SCUTATUS L. (POLYGONACEAE)

Effects of temperature, time after harvest, light, pH and depth of soil on germination of Rumex scutatus L. (Polygonaceae) were investigated. The optimal for germination percent temperature for seeds was found to be at 25 0C. Furthermore, the germination percentage increased with light. Seeds showed the greatest response germination in the alternating light / dark regimes. The optimal seed germination percent was observed at soil surface and 2 cm soil depth (100 % and 97 %, respectively). Deeper than 2 cm, the germination percent of R. scutatus was reduced due to lower penetration of light and the influence of several other factors. The optimal pH for seed germination of R. scutatus was 6 (98 %) so in lower than pH 6 (especially, in pH 4) seed germination was inhibited. A negative relationship between germination rate and seed age was obtained. Maximal germination percent (99 %) of seeds occurred for seeds that were new harvested