IN VITRO SEED GERMINATION STUDY IN NARROW ENDEMIC PLANT VERBASCUM ALYSSIFOLIUM (SCROPHULARIACEAE)

Verbascum alyssifolium Boiss is an endemic species having considerable narrow distribution in Erzincan (Turkey) region. In this study, germination behavior of Verbascum alyssifolium under different concentrations of NaCl, HCl, KNO3, GA(3) (100 and 200 mu M), hot-cold stratification and mechanical scarification was examined. Treated seeds were exposed to a photoperiod of 8 h light/16 h dark with a 23/18 degrees C thermoperiod. Germination rates increased with GA(3)-100 mu M (56%), GA(3)-200 mu M (57%) and mechanical scarification (63%) treatments when compared to the control (42%). On the other hand, NaCl, HCl, KNO3 treatments and hot-cold stratifications decreased germination. The highest speed of germination index was obtained at giberellic acid (14.7). This study represents first report about germination characteristics of V. alyssifolium and will provide valuable data for ex situ conservation practices of this endemic plant.