Abstract

The wild leafy vegetable, Corchorus olitorius L, has a potential for development as a crop. Self propagation of this species is by seed. In an attempt to improve the length of time of its availability, the effects of pre-chilling and temperature on germination of its seeds were investigated. Although it had a seed viability of 90.1% (using the tetrazolium technique), seed subjected to a temperature of 25^oC for both pre-chilled and unchilled seeds showed no germination. Seeds subjected to a temperature of 35^oC did germinate with a maximum of 88% germination from seeds that had been pre-chilled for 3 ½ days compared to those which were unchilled, pre-chilled for a day or pre-chilled for 7 days. Pre-chilling followed by exposure to a temperature higher than 30^oC encourages germination of C. olitorius seeds. Nursery establishment under such conditions may improve its length of availability.

Key words: Corchorus olitorius, germination, temperature, pre-chilling, wild vegetable.