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STUDIES ON THE GERMINATION OF AN ENDEMIC SPECIES CENTAUREA TOMENTELLA HAND.-MAZZ.

ISMET UYSAL**, S. CELIK AND K. OZKAN*

Abstract: Centurea tomentella an endemic species of Turkey is facing a threat of extinction due to its overuse for the decorative purposes. The species is under an abiotic stress of salinity in its natural habitats. Studies on the germination of this species were thus started in order to evaluate the possibilities which would enable us to sustain and cultivate the native populations on a large scale. The germination behaviour of this species was investigated under two different light regimes (8h light-16h darkness and 16 h light- 8h darkness) at a constant temperature of 25 ^oC. The results showed that germination was higher (59.50 %) in 16h light- 8 h darkness, but lower in 8h light-16h darkness (52.25 %). Different concentrations of NaCl and KNO₃ were applied to assess if any improvement in germination could be obtained. Both the rate as well as total germination were higher at 0.25 % KNO₃ under 8/16 h light/dark condition as compared to the control. The effect of 0.25 % KNO₃ was significant, but light interactions were non significant.
 

Department of Biology, Science and Arts Faculty, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Canakkale, Turkey.
* Department of Soil Science and Ecology, Forestry Faculty, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.

** Correspondence author: iuysal@comu.edu.tr, Fax: +90 286 2180533