Germination and Seedling Development of Hogpotato (Hoffmanseggia densiflora)

Acid-scarified hogpotato (Hoffmanseggia densifloraBenth. ex. Gray # HOFDE) seed incubated in distilled water germinated at least 94% when incubated at constant 15, 20, 30 C, and at alternate 20/30 C (20 C for 16 h and 30 C for 8 h) temperatures. Highest germination in buffered solutions occurred at pH 5.0 and 6.0 with reduced germination at lower and higher pH levels. Sodium chloride concentrations of 50 mM and greater reduced the germination rate. Percent germination after 9 days was reduced at NaCl concentrations of 100 mM and greater. Radicle lengths measured after 3 days were significantly reduced with increasing NaCl concentration. Twenty-day-old hogpotato seedlings having three true leaves were able to resprout after topgrowth removal. Regrowth occurred on 15% of the seedlings approximately 15 days after top removal.