Seed germination in the Sicilian subspecies of Dianthus rupicola Biv. (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract

Five populations belonging to three subspecies of Dianthus rupicola Biv. (D. rupicola subsp. rupicola, D. rupicola subsp. aeolicus, and D. rupicola subsp. lopadusanus) and growing in different geographical areas of Sicily were tested for seed germination at various temperatures. All populations showed high germination rates with an optimum temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Efficient seed germination might contribute significantly to the preservation of these subspecies which are currently exposed to several environmental threats.

Keywords:

• seed germination
• Dianthus rupicola
• Caryophyllaceae
• Sicily
• Italy

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the University of Catania (2008) and the Italian Ministry of University and Research – Research Project of Relevant National Interest (MIUR-PRIN, 2007).