Biological Study Scabiosa ochroleuca Seeds Germination and Development of Methods for a Long-Term Storage

Abstract

The organization of a storage system for seeds of medicinal plants is an important task of introduction. Our study aimed to identify biological features during the germination of Scabiosa ochroleuca seeds and optimize the conditions for their storage and germination activation. The paper presents the results of assessing the viability of seeds of S. ochroleuca depending on the origin, size, storage time, the use of pre-sowing treatment with epin, potassium humate, the use of barbotage and stratification; the conditions of cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen have been worked out. The results showed that germination capacity and energy depended on origin and size. The best indicators were noted for large and completed seeds collected in the Buyratau Mountains. During storage, a gradual decrease in germination was noticed; the loss of viability was noted in the 4th year of storage under normal conditions. Stratification can be used for 3 months to activate germination. To organize a long-term storage system, we recommend storing S. ochroleuca seeds in liquid nitrogen in plastic containers, using glycerol cryoprotectant at a concentration of 40%.