Methodological contribution on seed germination and seedling initial growth tests in wild plants

Abstract

The text is intended for biologists and ecologists working with wild plant species. The article draws attention to possible methodological inaccuracies in determining seed germination and in various attempts to manipulate the seeds of wild plant species. The difference between seed germination in the laboratory and in the wild (in the field), basic principles of seed collection or selection, selection of test sample, basic parameters related to seed germination (seed germination, germination rate, mean germination time, germination index), and initial growth seedlings (seedling vitality index, R/S ratio) are described. The text aims to methodically clarify experiments related to seed germination and initial seedling growth, so different wild plant species can be better compared with each other.

Keywords

• germination rate
• germination index
• mean germination time
• R/S ratio
• seed data analysis
• seedling vitality index