Untersuchungen zur Keimung von Eryngium campestre L.

The germination of fruits of Eryngium campestre occured without stratification with amounts between 60 % and 90 % depending on the origin. Fruits fom the Botanical Gardens Göttingen (origin: Wetterau/Germany) germinated in a narrow temperature range between 10°C and 20°C at 60 %. They didn’t germinate below 10°C, at 26 °C the germination rate was already diminished for more than half. It is interesting that Eryngium campestre germinates also in water at the same amounts. Our experiments showed furthermore that Eryngium campestre has a relative high sensitivity against sodium chloride: already at concentrations of NaCl slightly higher than 0,1% the germination rate falls. The growth of cotyledons and radicles delayed with rising concentration of sodium chloride and their life span is shortened. These results allow at best a classification for ELLENBERG’s salt number 1. Experiments also showed a great sensitivity against nitrate: whilst the generation was slightly supported by 0,01 M KNO3, the germination rate was affected by higher concentrations and the seedlings were injured. Fertilization experiments confirmed these results. Eryngium campestre behaves like a (sub) ruderal plant, which grow in small gaps and at slightly disturbed places. Its germination rate was significant higher in a disturbed matrix than in undisturbed vegetation. Young plants survive the removal of the overground biomass, fragments of the roots can regenerate to new plants.