Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Interannual variability in seed germination of Plantago asiatica and its implications for cultivation
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Short Communications | Published: 25 May, 2026
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Keywords: Conservation, Cultivation, Interannual variability, Medicinal plant, Photoperiod
Abstract
Understanding of suitable germination conditions can help in the development of strategies for large-scale cultivation of medicinal plants. Plantago asiatica L. is a high value medicinal plants having multiple uses in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicinal systems. The species is used in liver and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as inflammation of the urinary systems. Additionally, the species have diuretic, antipyretic, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and laxative effects. This study assessed the germination ability of seeds of P. asiatica collected over two consecutive years (2022–2023). The experiment on germination used two sets of thermoperoids (20/30 °C and 25/35 °C) and light regimes (0 as well as 12 h light/day). The study reported significant differences in germination ability between the two sets of seeds. Seeds collected in 2023 possessed higher germination capacity than those collected in 2022. However, effects of temperature as well as light conditions were consistent between the two sets of seeds. Seeds germinated better at lower temperatures (20/30 °C) and in light conditions. The findings highlight the ecological significance of interannual variability in regeneration dynamics and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
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Author Information
Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Jiujiang, China