Effect of pelleting treatment on seed germination in adenophora triphylla

Abstract

Background: Sowing seeds of Adenophora triphylla is known to be difficult owing to their small size and irregular seed shape. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a seed pelleting technique to save labor during sowing. Methods and Results: To identify the optimal germination temperature for A. triphylla seeds, the temperature range was set from 17℃ to 32℃. Germination surveys were conducted in plastic greenhouse conditions in March, April, and May to determine the appropriate sowing time. The optimal germination temperature for A. triphylla seeds was 29℃ and May was the optimal sowing time in plastic greenhouse conditions. Covering materials for seed pelleting used talc (T), kaolin (K), calcium carbonate (C), and vermiculite (V). The pellet binder used agar (A), pectin, xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and sodium alginate (S). The best suited treatment mixture were the best suited in kaolin / calcium carbonate / vermiculite (KCV), talc / calcium carbonate / vermiculite (TCV) mixture treatment for covering material, and sodium alginate (S), agar (A) as pellet binder, respectively. The germination rate was the best in TCV mixed with S. Conclusion: The mixture of TCV (2: 1: 3) + 1.5% S (TCVS), was found to be the best pelleting materials for A. triphylla seeds, and seed pelleting can be labor-saving during sowing. ? 2020, Korean Society of Medicinal Crop Science. All rights reserved.