Abstract

Recent interest in the cultivation and use of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) has increased demand for its commercial production. Successful germination of seed is a critical first step to its production; however, few studies have documented factors influential to germination success. To help support commercial production efforts, the influence of substrate temperature and seed scarification technique on germination parameters were evaluated. Two scarification (nicked and soaked) and three substrate temperature treatments (21, 24 and 27°C) were imposed on C. ternatea seed. Following treatments, six germination parameters were recorded. Data showed seeds maintained at a substrate temperature of 21°C reached maximal germination (54.8%) at the longest mean germination time (2.61 d) and slowest mean germination rate (0.39 day-1). Mechanical scarification by nicking the seed coat with a razor blade prior to soaking the seed for 24 h reached maximal germination (80.95%) at the lowest mean germination time (2.06 days) and fastest mean germination rate (0.51 day-1). Optimal germination was attained when seed was scarified and soaked and then germinated in rockwool substrate maintained at a temperature (To) of 21°C. Results provide commercial growers with production technique information helpful to fast and efficient germination of C. ternatea seed.

Key words: Germinability, medicinal, edible, rockwool.