title: [Studies on germination characteristics of Platycodon grandiflorum seed].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To find out the optimal condition for the germination by studying the effects of light, temperature, seed soaking and cultivation condition on Platycodon grandiflourm, and offer the basis for standardized culture of P. grandflorum.
  
  
  METHODS
  The rate of water absorption of the seed was determined. The germination of P. grandiflorum seed was tested under following conditions: treatments under different temperature (10,15,20,25,30 degrees C), light treatments (light and dark), seed soaking time (12,24,36 h) and different germination cultivation conditions (on filter paper, between filter paper, between gauze,on gauze).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The water absorption of the seeds reached the maximal 120% within 36 h at 25 degrees C. The time of seeds soaking had limited effect on the germination of the seed, while temperature and light condition showed significant effects on the germination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The optimal condition for the germination of the seed of P. grandiflorum is as follow:seed soaking for 12 h, and 25 degrees C underlight.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. gqs@herbstimes.com
authors.forename: Qiao-sheng
authors.initials: QS
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Rong-mei
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Chun-lan
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wei
mesh_terms: D018525:Germination; D008027:Light; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D031238:Platycodon / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water