Germination résponses of Khaya anthotheca seeds to a range of alternating and constant températures provided by the 2-way Grant’s thermogradient plate

Abstract

Khaya anthotheca seeds were placed in Petri dishes containing a gel of 1% water agar for germination over a period of 30 consecutive days. Petri dishes were arranged 8 units x 8 units on the 2-way Grant’s thermogradient plate (a bi-directional incubator). The goal of the study was to take a more comprehensive look at germination responses of seeds to a broad range of alternating or constant temperatures on the thermogradient plate. The instrument allows for germination testing of seeds over a wide range of single temperature and alternating temperature regimes over a time continuum, given 64 temperature combinations (regimes) (5 to 40°C). Conditions were 40/40°C (day/night temperature) on the high end of the plate and 5/5 ºC on the cool end. Two temperature gradients ranging from 5 to 40°C were used. The first gradient, progressing from left to right on the thermogradient plate in dark, was alternated every 12 hours with the second progressing from front to back of the thermogradient plate with light. The study was repeated twice. Fifteen (15) seeds were used in each replication. The various temperature combinations had significant effect on final germination percentage, mean germination time, time for first germination and rate of germination. Alternating temperatures improved overall germination. The best germination at a constant temperature was at 20/20°C and 30/30°C. The best temperature regimes for seed germination at alternating temperatures were at 5/30°C, 10/30°C,15/30°C, 20/25°C, 20/35°C, 25/15°C, 25/20°C, 25/30°C, 30/20°C, 35/10°C, and 35/15°C.

Keywords: Khaya anthotheca, germination testing, thermogradient plate, temperature regimes, germination percentage