Viability and germination of Cucurbita okeechobeensis martinezii seeds an endangered wild species from México

Abstract

Cucurbita okeechobeensis martinezii (L.H. Bailey) is an endangered Mexican wild species. To contribute to its conservation, specimens were prospected in three areas of cloud forest in Veracruz, Mexico. A completely randomized design was established to evaluate the viability of TTZ seeds and the effect of three LED light spectra on the in vitro germination of the collected specimens. Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with 2 mgL-1 gibberellic acid (GA3) was used. The results showed differences in seed viability among the specimens evaluated. The highest values of seed viability were observed in the specimens from the San Marcos site. The positive effect of the red LED light spectrum on the germination percentage and growth of germinated seedlings in vitro was confirmed. These results may contribute to the conservation and propagation of this valuable genetic resource.

Keywords

• cucurbita
• seeds
• in vitro
• led lights
• conservation
• endangered species