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Seed Germination Ecology and Dormancy Release in Some Native and Underutilized Plant Species with Agronomic Potential

Author

Listed:
  • Georgios Varsamis

    (Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, Democritus University of Thrace, 66100 Drama, Greece)

  • Theodora Merou

    (Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, Democritus University of Thrace, 66100 Drama, Greece)

  • Ioanna Alexandropoulou

    (Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, Democritus University of Thrace, 66100 Drama, Greece)

  • Chrysoula Menti

    (Department of Natural Environment and Climate Resilience, Democritus University of Thrace, 66100 Drama, Greece)

  • Eleftherios Karapatzak

    (Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Within the context of sustainable exploitation of phytogenetic resources, the present study aimed to develop species-specific seed germination protocols for eighteen native and potentially underutilized plant species originating from northeastern Greece. The taxa were selected based on their antioxidant potential and their provenance to enhance their regional exploitation potential, thus utilizing the species’ local adaptation traits. To quantify the maximum germination potential in each case, seed viability was assessed using the tetrazolium (TTZ) test. The pre-treatments applied for seed dormancy release included cold stratification and the application of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and kinetin. Germination tests revealed that 9 of the 18 species exhibited high germination percentages in the control treatment (ranging between 64 and 90%) indicating that after-ripening was sufficient for any seed dormancy release in a significant portion of the seed lot. Furthermore, cold stratification and hormonal treatments significantly enhanced germination in seven species (final seed germination up to 85%), indicating deeper physiological dormancy and confirming the role of cold stratification and phytohormones in dormancy release. Two species showed no germination under any pre-treatment while viable, indicating the presence of more complex dormancy mechanisms. Germination percentages were frequently lower than the corresponding seed viability values, which ranged from 70% to 100%, suggesting that a portion of the seed lot exhibited deeper dormancy throughout. The results showcased species with favorable germination patterns, thus successfully identifying species that can be readily propagated, as well as species that require specific pre-treatments. The study sets the basis for domestication and sustainable use of local antioxidant-rich flora, providing a clear roadmap for the agronomic utilization of the focal species to support the regional bioeconomy.

Suggested Citation

  • Georgios Varsamis & Theodora Merou & Ioanna Alexandropoulou & Chrysoula Menti & Eleftherios Karapatzak, 2025. "Seed Germination Ecology and Dormancy Release in Some Native and Underutilized Plant Species with Agronomic Potential," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:20:p:2139-:d:1771283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sara Marcelino & Samia Hamdane & Pedro D. Gaspar & Arminda Paço, 2023. "Sustainable Agricultural Practices for the Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Evidence and Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-22, September.
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