Abstract
Paronychia erecta (Chapm.) Shinners (squareflower [Caryophyllaceae]) is a perennial with attractive square-like inflorescences. We collected seeds from 3 locations (provenances) in northwest Florida including Navarre Beach (NB), Pensacola Beach (PB), and Perdido Key (PK) and subjected the seeds to seed fill tests (X-ray analysis), viability tests (tetrazolium staining), and germination experiments. In experiment 1, we determined effects of provenance (NB, PB, and PK) and temperature regimes (33/24, 29/19, 27/15, and 22/11 °C [91.4/75.2, 84.2/66.2, 80.6/59.0, and 71.6/51.8 °F] under a 12-h photoperiod) on germination speed and final germination proportion. In experiment 2, we determined effects of provenance (NB and PK) and photoperiod (0 or 12 h of light) on final germination (after 28 d). Seeds were 90 to 99% filled and 63 to 91% viable. In experiment 1, interactions of provenance × temperature were nonsignificant for final germination (P = 0.052) and germination speed (t50) (P = 0.3129), indicating the effects of provenance were similar across temperatures. Germination was high (94–99%) at 22/11, 27/15, and 29/19 °C and was reduced (27%) at 33/24 °C. Germination speed (t50) was quicker for 27/15 and 29/19 °C (10.3 and 11.0 d) compared to 22/11 °C (13.1 d). Seeds dry-stored for 21 d imbibed and germinated to 50% by 9 d, indicating a lack of physical and intermediate or deep physiological dormancy. Experiment 2 results revealed a significant provenance × photoperiod interaction (P < 0.0001) with 81 and 65% germination in light and 16 and 26% germination in dark for NB and PK, respectively. Results show promise for successful P. erecta seed propagation at average winter, spring, and fall Florida temperatures.
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