Effect of light, temperature and seed mass on germination of two species of the Himalayan rhubarb

Abstract

The results show that smaller seeds of R. acuminatum germinated faster than bigger seeds of R. australe in all temperature regimes excerpt 25/10oC dark conditions. Seeds of both species will germinate better if shifted to lower altitudes where temperatures are higher than at their actual habitats.

Since both species lack in seed bank, it is recommended that seed sowing should be carried out in spring rather than before winter for better germination.

Keywords

• Himalayan region
• rhubarb
• Rheum acuminatum
• Rheum australe