Factors affecting eclipta (Eclipta prostrata) seed germination

Controlled environmental chamber experiments were conducted for a 14-d incubation period to measure the effect of temperature, light, light intensity, water potential, and pH on eclipta seed germination. In full light, seed germinated over a range of 10 to 35 C; however, germination was highest at 83% at 35 C. Seeds were strongly photoblastic with none germinating in the dark. Seeds germinated in light intensities between 6 and 100% of full light. Seeds germinated 78 to 88% in water potentials of 0.0, -0.1, and -0.2 MPa. In distilled water (pH similar to 5.5) and a buffered solution pH 6 and 7, seeds germinated 85 to 89%; however, some seeds germinated in a buffered solution pH range of 5 to 8. After the first 14-d incubation period, ungerminated seeds were transferred to distilled water and incubated at 35 C in full light for 4 to 6 d as a second incubation period. Seeds germinated 89 to 96% after this second incubation period when first incubation was at temperatures 10 to 35 C in full light or darkness, light intensities 0 to 100% of full light, water potentials 0.0 to -0.8 MPa, and buffered solution pH levels of 5.5 to 7.