Effect of prechilling and exogenous gibberellin on seed germination of Primulina eburnea: a calcium-rich vegetable

Abstract

Calcium-rich food and calcium supplements are expensive, especially for people in developing countries. Primulina eburnea is a calcium-rich vegetable with a high soluble calcium content in its leaves. In this study, we investigated the effects of prechilling and exogenous gibberellin on P. eburnea seed germination. Our results showed that both prechilling time and exogenous gibberellin affect P. eburnea seed germination. Three days prechilling increased germination percentage by 20.7-40.6%; mean germination time and time to first germination were reduced, indicating faster germination. A longer cold treatment enhanced the germination percentage but delayed the germination time. Prechilled P. eburnea seeds germinated 17.3-40.6% more when they were treated with GA3, but high GA3 did not shorten the germination time. Combination of three days prechilling and 50 ppm GA3 is the optimal treatment for P. eburnea seed germination. This research provides a powerful tool to accelerate breeding and cultivating this calcium-rich vegetable.