EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT ON THE GERMINATION OF SEED OF SOLANUM-AVICULARE AND SOLANUM-LACINIATUM

Fluctuating temperatures enhanced germination in both Solanum aviculare and Solanum laciniatum. The best regime was 15725°C (night/day). Light from a fluorescent source stimulated both the rate and extent of germination. The presence of either light or a 10°C temperature fluctuation improved germination but germination was significantly better when these were used together, especially with the more dormant, fresh seed. Stratification was not a reliable technique for enhancing germination. Germination was inhibited by burial and this inhibition increased with increasing depth. © 1979 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.