In the present research we study the germination behaviour of Quercus cerris L. and Quercus gussonei (Borzì) Brullo at different temperatures. Q. cerris species is quite widespread in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italy. On the contrary, Q. gussonei is an endemic species of Sicily. Acorns of Q. cerris and Q. gussonei were collected during the dissemination period and were soon after put to germinate in Petri dishes, in darkness, with constant humidity and at different temperatures. The percentage of germination and mean time to complete germination (MTG) was evaluated. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed in order to test the existence of statistically significant differences between germination percentages and between MTGs, at different temperatures. Results shows that both Q. cerris and Q. gussonei have high germination percentages (>80%), without significant differences between the two species. Thus, we can state that the different temperatures we tested did not have a significant impact on the germination percentages. In contrast, the temperature had a strong effect on MTG and in particular MTG is an inverse function of the temperature. We found differences between the MTG of the two species that are not ecologically important. Furthermore, data clearly show the phenomenon of dormancy for both species. Finally, data confirm that the two oaks have the same ecological model of the germination process. A deeper understanding of the ecological model is indispensable to correctly plan natural reforestation intervention for Q. cerris and Q. gussonei woods, using a direct seeding method.
Germination ecology of species suitable for reforestation in the Mediterranean environment: Quercus cerris L: and Quercus gussonei (Borzì) Brullo
CAVALLARO, Viviana;FORTE L;
2006-01-01
Abstract
In the present research we study the germination behaviour of Quercus cerris L. and Quercus gussonei (Borzì) Brullo at different temperatures. Q. cerris species is quite widespread in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italy. On the contrary, Q. gussonei is an endemic species of Sicily. Acorns of Q. cerris and Q. gussonei were collected during the dissemination period and were soon after put to germinate in Petri dishes, in darkness, with constant humidity and at different temperatures. The percentage of germination and mean time to complete germination (MTG) was evaluated. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed in order to test the existence of statistically significant differences between germination percentages and between MTGs, at different temperatures. Results shows that both Q. cerris and Q. gussonei have high germination percentages (>80%), without significant differences between the two species. Thus, we can state that the different temperatures we tested did not have a significant impact on the germination percentages. In contrast, the temperature had a strong effect on MTG and in particular MTG is an inverse function of the temperature. We found differences between the MTG of the two species that are not ecologically important. Furthermore, data clearly show the phenomenon of dormancy for both species. Finally, data confirm that the two oaks have the same ecological model of the germination process. A deeper understanding of the ecological model is indispensable to correctly plan natural reforestation intervention for Q. cerris and Q. gussonei woods, using a direct seeding method.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.