Effects of Seed Source and Soil Texture on Germination and Survival of Nepeta asterotricha as a Medicinal Plant

Abstract

<em>Nepeta</em> species are widely used as medicine plants because of their anti-spasmodic, diuretic, anti-septic, anti asthmatic anti spasmodic, and tonic effects. Nepeta species also have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities. Germination and seedling growth are two important stages of the plant development and plant survival. Soil texture is one of the environmental factors, which affects the germination mechanism. In order to evaluate the effects of seed source and soil texture on the germination of <em>N. asterotricha</em> as a medicinal plant, an experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized block design with four replications in 2014. The studied factors included different sources of seed collection (Sanij, Dehbala, Dareshir, Tezerjan) and three types of soil texture (Sand, Sandy loam and Silty clay). Results indicated that <em>N. asterotricha</em> germination was affected by the origin of seed source (altitude, direction, and slope). Seeds collected from Sanij and Tezerjan had the highest and lowest germination percent, respectively. Among different soil textures, soils with sand and sandy loam texture had the best performance. Results showed significant effects of seed sources and soil texture interaction affects the seed germination percent and germination rate (p≤0.01). Seed sources had different responses to soil textures indicating that seed collected from different areas may be compatible with specific soil texture. In general, the light soil textures had better effects on seed germination traits of <em>N. asterotricha</em>.