Germination of Caryophyllaceae at Low Temperatures in relation to Geographical Distribution

Abstract

SEED germination is one of many factors which determine whether a particular species is able to maintain itself in a given locality. This must occur at a season which will allow the subsequent development of the plant and the production of flowers and viable seed. There have been many reports of the mechanisms which regulate the time of germination based on requirements for a period of after-ripening, temperature conditions, light or mechanical injury. Yet few studies have been made on the relation between germination patterns and natural distributions of different species. This work was done with a group of species of Caryophyllaceae distributed in different localities throughout Europe, in an attempt to determine features of the germination response which could be correlated with climatic conditions.