Seed germination of the endangered Viola kitaibeliana and other Italian annual pansies (Viola Section Melanium, Violaceae)

Abstract

Here, successful germination protocols for the following four annual pansies are presented: Viola arvensis subsp. arvensis, V. hymettia, V. kitaibeliana, and V. tricolor subsp. tricolor. Seeds were collected mainly in Central Italy (Tuscany, Umbria, and Latium) and in Sicily. The germination ability was tested at the Tuscia Germplasm Bank (BGT) using several methods for dormancy-breaking. Our results show high germination percentages and germination rate for the tested species.