Floral induction, production and seed quality of parsley cultivars as influenced by plants vernalization periods

Abstract

In the production of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) seeds is recommended the cultivation in locations of low temperatures to permit the emission of floral stalk. The study aimed to verify the effect of vernalization on floral induction, production and quality of parsley seeds. Ten plants of three cultivars (Caipira, Chacareira and Lisa Grande Portuguesa (O. Enke)) grown in pots for six months were submitted to vernalization at 5 °C for 0, 15, 30 and 45 days. After treatment, the plants were transferred to greenhouse and evaluated for period and flowering percentage, seed yield per plant and seed quality. The seed quality was evaluated by weight of a thousand seeds, germination (percentages of normal and abnormal seedlings, dormant and dead seeds), first count of germination, accelerated aging, dormancy after accelerated aging, seedling emergence in the field and seed water content before and after accelerated aging. It was concluded that the vernalization does not promotes floral induction and production of parsley seeds. For Lisa Grande Portuguesa (O. Enke) cultivar, the vernalization of the plant for 30 days enables the production of seed with high germination and vigor. Parsley seeds dormancy can be caused by plants vernalization periods between 30 and 45 days depending on the cultivar, followed by the exposure of the seeds to the conditions of high temperature and relative humidity of the air (41 °C/100%, UR/72 h).