Seed germination requirements in the genus Crocus

摘要

The genus Crocus is mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region and consists of autumn- and spring-flowering geophytes. Despite the horticultural importance of the genus, research on Crocus seeds is almost nonexistent. Mediterranean plants and particularly many geophytes usually germinate at low rates, within a narrow range of relatively cool temperatures, 5 ~ 20t (Doussi et al 2002). In the Mediterranean climate, primary physiological dormancy and a requirement of afterripening can be the crucialfactor to delay germination until the rainy, autumn season (Baskin et al 1998, Fournaraki 2010).