Effects of different temperatures and gibberellic acid (GA(3)) doses on germination of Salvia species

In this study, the effects of gibberellic acid (0, 250, 500, 750 mg I-1) and temperature (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees C) treatments on the germination rate and index of five Salvia species including S. verticillata, S. candidissima, S. nemorosa, S. microstegia and S. virgata were examined. The germination rate and index of the Salvia seeds were significantly affected by species, temperature and gibberellic acid applications. The highest germination rates occurred at 10 degrees C in S. virgata (44.0%), 15 degrees C in S. candidissima and S. microstegia (50.0% and 4.4% respectively), 20 degrees C in S. verticillata (32.3%) and 25 C in S. nemorosa (53.5%). Gibberellic acid (GA(3)) produced a statistically significant, but inconsistent effect. The differences in the response of genotypes to varying temperatures led to a significant interaction between genotype and temperature. Similarly, a significant interaction was observed between gibberellic acid and temperature.