Germination ecology of the woody herb Uraria picta, from southern Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe germination response of Uraria picta to five environmental factors was investigated. It germinated both in light and dark but germination in the light was significantly better than in the dark; there was further germination when seeds first placed in the dark were later brought into the light. It germinated well in the three soil types used but germination in humus and sand was significantly better than in red earth. There was an increase in germination with an increase in burial up to 1.5 cm, thereafter germination levelled off. There was no germination in water-logged conditions and there was an increase in germination as soil moisture decreased. Alternating temperatures of 31/21°C and 31/15°C favoured germination while 21/15°C inhibited germination. The results are discussed in relation to the phenology and distribution of the species.