| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Extended abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the effects of storage temperature, humidity, and storage duration on the germination indices of German chamomile seeds. Given the significant impact of storage conditions on seed quality, the primary objective was to standardize optimal storage methods for this medicinal plant. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of seed moisture content, storage temperature, and storage periods on the germination performance of German chamomile seeds.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted in 2019 at the Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University. It was designed as a split-split plot arrangement within a completely randomized design, with four storage temperature levels (15, 25, 35, and 45°C), three seed moisture content levels (8, 12, and 16%), and six storage durations (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days). Initial seed moisture content was measured, and the desired moisture levels were adjusted using specific formulas. Germination tests and related indices, such as germination percentage and germination rate, were conducted. Data were analyzed using SAS software.
Results: The results from the mean comparison of the interaction between storage duration and seed moisture content at temperatures of 15, 25, 35, and 45°C revealed that germination percentage significantly decreased as storage duration increased. The lowest germination percentage was observed after 180 days of storage at 16% seed moisture content. Similarly, germination rate decreased significantly across all temperatures with prolonged storage. Seedling growth analysis under different storage conditions showed a significant reduction in root, shoot, and seedling length at all temperatures as storage duration increased. The shortest lengths of these components were observed after 180 days of storage at 16% seed moisture content, attributed to seed aging and reduced germination capacity. Increasing seed moisture content from 8% to 12% resulted in an average decrease of 9% in germination percentage and 5% in germination rate. Further increasing moisture content from 8% to 16% led to a more substantial average reduction of 73% in germination percentage and 72% in germination rate. Raising storage temperature from 15°C to 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C resulted in average decreases in germination percentage of 9%, 25%, and 42%, respectively. Similarly, germination rate decreased by 14%, 33%, and 43% at this respective temperature.
Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate a decline in the germination indices of German chamomile seeds with increasing seed moisture content and storage temperature. The optimal seed moisture content of 8% and a storage temperature of 15°C were identified as the most suitable conditions for maintaining seed quality.
Highlights: - The optimal storage environment for German chamomile seeds was determined.
- The effects of inappropriate storage conditions on the physiological traits of German chamomile seeds were examined.
|