Enhancing germination of Dianthus lusitanus: a sustainable approach to plant  production and biodiversity conservation

Reis, C.M.G.; Diogo, Maria da Graça

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/10351

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Authors

Reis, C.M.G.

Diogo, Maria da Graça

Abstract(s)

Incorporating native spontaneous flora species into urban landscapes enhances biodiversity, supports ecosystem services, and contributes to sustainable development. Dianthus lusitanus, an Ibero-North African endemic chamaephyte from the Caryophyllaceae family, thrives in full sun exposure and sandy, acidic soils. The aim of this study was to develop a germination protocol for D. lusitanus by evaluating the effects of two seed conservation methods, as well as different treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on germination. Seeds were stored at either 6 °C for three months (lot A) or at room temperature (lot B). Five germination treatments were applied: T1) sterilized water (control); T2) immersion in 1% H2O2 for 30 minutes; T3) immersion in 3% H2O2 for 30 minutes; T4) immersion in 1% H2O2 for 15 hours (overnight); and T5) periodic watering with 50 mM H2O2. Ninety seeds per treatment were tested in a randomized complete block design and incubated at alternating temperatures of 25/22 °C (day/night) with a 16/8 hour photoperiod. Germination percentages were quantified after 20 days. Seeds stored at 6 °C exhibited significantly higher germination rates compared to those stored at room temperature (p = 0.007). A positive effect on seed germination percentage was observed when seeds were soaked in H2O2 solutions. The highest germination percentage (83.3%) was recorded in treatment T4, while the lowest values were observed in treatments T1 and T5 for seeds from Lot B (11.1% and 22.2%, respectively). This protocol has practical applications in ornamental plant production, biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded areas, contributing to sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.

Keywords

Biodiversity Hydrogen peroxide Rock carnation Seed dormancy Urban agroecology

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/10351

Citation

REIS, C.M.G. ; DIOGO, M.G. (2025) - Enhancing germination of Dianthus lusitanus: a sustainable approach to plant production and biodiversity conservation. Aust. J. Crop Sci. 19(10), p. 1024-1028. DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.25.19.10.p26