Short Communications

Effect of temperature on the germination of grain Amaranth

Published in: South African Journal of Plant and Soil
Volume 20 , issue 3 , 2003 , pages: 152–153

DOI: 10.1080/02571862.2003.10634925

Author(s): T.A. Loonat Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs (Gauteng), South Africa , E. van den Heever , South Africa , P. Hammes Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, South Africa

Keywords: Amaranthus hypochondriacus , Amaranthus cruentus , germination temperature

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Abstract

Amaranthus cultivation in South Africa has potential commercial importance. To make optimal use of the growing season planting under cool soil conditions is often necessary. The effect of temperature on seed germination of A. hypochondriaeus (unknown landrace) and A. cruentus, was determined. Whereas overall germination was advanced by increasing the temperature, only A. hypochondriacus germinated abundantly at temperatures as low as 12°C. A. hypochondriacus had a germination percentage of 70% at 12°C while A. cruentus had a germination percentage of less than 1% at the same temperature.

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