Germination characteristics of Lippia palmeri (Wats) from wild desert regions of Altar, Sonora, México

There are several species of native and introduced Lippia, which are of great potential in arid areas of Northwest Mexico; these species have low germination percentage due to the hardness and / or seed dormancy. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of gibberellic acid on germination of seeds of wild Lippia palmeri. To do this, the seed was collected in two native sites (Puerto del Orégano and Santa Ana, Sonora). Three concentrations with gibberellic acid (GA₃) (100, 200 and 300 ppm), subjected to three times of soaking the seed (30, 60 and 120 min.) were tested and as a control distilled water. For each treatment 100 seeds were used by Petri dish in triplicate with a total of 72 Petri plates placed in an ambient of 27 °C and 80% relative humidity. For the concentration of 100 ppm in the three treatments soaking seed port oregano, showed a high percentage of germination (90, 100 and 100%); for treatments of 200 and 300 ppm the percentage of germinated seed was lower (80%). The seed of Santa Ana showed the highest percentage of germination (80%) obtained 300 ppm and 120 minute soak; the other treatments did not exceed 70% germination. It is concluded that Lippia palmeri require stimulated by giberalina to promote the enzymatic action inducing breakdown of reserve substances seed.