Abstract
1) With a view to elucidating the germination of the seeds of Kaa He-e (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) with special reference to the optimum temperature and light sensitivity, the present studies were carried out by germination test with petri dishes using incubators, at the Tokyo University of Agriculture, mainly during a period from 1973 to 1976. Results obtained are summarized as follows:
2) The optimum temperature for germination is 20°.
3) Weak light sensitivity is found to be present at 25°-30°, the seeds proving to be a light germinator. The light sensitivity at 25°is rather stronger than that at 30°.
4) The life duration of the seeds is about 3 years.
5) By oversummering the viability of seed decreases remarkably. When the seeds are stored in unsealed wooden-boxes at room temperature for one year, about half of the viability is lost.
6) When the seeds are stored in desiccators at room temperature in the dark, they maintain almost the same viability of seed for one year at the lowest as those freshly collected.
