Effects of light, temperature and seed priming on germination of celery seeds (Apium graveolens L.)

Abstract

The effect of temperature and light on the seed germination of seven cultivars of celery (Tall Utah 52-70R, Utah, Isel, Golden Spartan, Golden Boy, Florida 683 and Istar) has been studied. In general, the highest germination percentages were obtained at 15 deg C and 25/15 deg C. At relatively high temperatures (25 deg C) light exposure increased germination, although the magnitude of this increase was variable and depended on the cultivar. Similarly, the effect of eleven priming treatments was assayed in Tall Utah and Utah. Priming treatments did not affect final germination percentages but were effective in reducing the time to 50 % of final germination percentage