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Rosa Romero
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Spain
Manuel A. Rodríguez-Guitián
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Spain
Mª Elvira López-Mosquera
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Spain
R. Mª Barros
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Spain
Antonio Rigueiro
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Spain
Carlos Real
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Spain
No 6 (2010), Original articles, pages 75-80
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15304/rr.id5296
Submitted: 12-07-2018 Published: 11-09-2018
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Abstract

In this study we made a preliminary characterization of the percentage of viable seeds and time to germination in 11 populations of Arnica montana from the provinces of Lugo and Ourense (Galicia, NW Spain). We also compared two methods for enhancing the germination of the seeds: watering with a potassium nitrate solution or with distilled water. Our results showed gross differences both in the proportion of viable seeds among populations (from 8% to 96%) and in time to germination. On the other hand, watering with potassium nitrate did not enhance germination compared to distilled water. No relation was founded between viability of seeds and ecological or poblacional characters. This leads us to consider that capability to reproduce sexually in the wild populations of arnica studied could be conditioned by local factors (climate, pollinisator disponibility) that affect sexual reproduction processes. This should be taken into account to make good use of this species in the future.
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