Basic seed germination characteristics of the endemic species Nepeta rtanjensis (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

Nepeta rtanjensis is an endemic plant species that was first recorded in 1974 in the eastern part of Serbia. Because of the small number of discovered specimens and low seed viability, it has been difficult to determine the seed germination characteristics of this species. Using in vitro culture techniques, we obtained sufficient plants for successful reintroduction. In the first year approximately 500 000 seeds were collected and subjected to various seed germination tests. The seeds were positive photoblastic and germination was under the control of the phytochrome pigment system. The requirement for light could be substituted by gibberellins. The seeds were nitrate insensitive, but responded to treatment with liquid smoke.