Testing achene germinationof Potamogeton praelongus Wulfen

The goal of this work was to determine the best method of breaking the achene dormancy in Potamogeton praelongus Wulfen. The ways of breaking achene dormancy studied in this experiment included methods of achene storage, stratification, UVA radiation, anaerobic conditions, mechanical disruption of achenes?outer layers and their chemical disruption by NaClO. Nine different treatments of achenes were combined with two methods of achene storage. Particular achene treatments and storage conditions were proven to have a significant impact on breaking dormancy. Although the highest germination rate (83.3%) was achieved when the dormancy was broken chemically by long effect of 100% concentrations of Savo detergent (containing 5% NaClO), the growth of the sprouts was subsequently inhibited due to toxic effects of Savo. Thus the most successful treatment was based on changing temperature, e.g. 2.5 months of cold storage followed by 14 days at room temperature (germination rate 32.7%). This treatment was also most similar to the natural process. Germinated achenes were also found in Petri dishes exposed to UVA radiation, anaerobic conditions and chemical disruption of the outer layers. Results of these treatments were influenced by the storage method.