Seed germination behaviour of Diplotaxis tenuifolia

Abstract

Genus Diplotaxis is represented by more than 20 species mainly distributed in the North Mediterranean. Out of these Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket) is used widely in Italian and French cuisine. It has also been used for medicinal purpose for different illnesses throughout the history. In this study the germination behaviour of the seeds of D. tenuifolia was investigated. The seeds were very sensitive to pH and salinity stress. The seed germination increased under daylight conditions reaching a level of 80 percent but decreased in dark and continuous light. A remarkable increase was recorded (60%) in the germination of seeds subjected to +4°C shock for a week or two before left for germination. Pre-hydration followed by re-drying increased the germination to some extent (28%). These findings reveal that the storage conditions are important for establishing a seed bank of D. tenuifolia, in order to get highest germination.