How different reproduction protocols can affect the germination of seeds: The case of three stenoendemic species on Mt. Olympus (NC Greece)

Research on three stenoendemic plant species—Centaurea incompleta, Centaurea litochorea, and Viola striis-notata—on Mount Olympus reveals that gibberellic acid treatment significantly enhances seed germination rates for two of the species, achieving levels comparable to embryo viability. This finding highlights a potential strategy for ex situ conservation or reintroduction efforts, crucial for preserving the unique flora of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed cold stratification and gibberellic acid treatments to break seed dormancy, with viability assessed using tetrazolium and Evans blue solutions. However, no effective treatment was identified for Centaurea litochorea, suggesting species-specific responses to germination protocols.

Varsamis, G., Merou, T., Tseniklidou, K., Goula, K., & Tsiftsis, S. (2023). How different reproduction protocols can affect the germination of seeds: The case of three stenoendemic species on Mt. Olympus (NC Greece). European Journal of Environmental Sciences, 13(1), 23–30. https://doi.org/10.14712/23361964.2023.3