863 PB 547 IMPROVING SEED GERMINATION OF ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica L.)

Angelica is grown in Quebec (Canada) for its root-bound medicinal properties. Matol Botanique Int., a major user of Angelica extracts, decided 4 years ago to promote local production in order to secure supplies and quality. However, the crop has to be started from seed that show low and variable germination behavior. Emergence occurs after ± 12 days and most of the germination if obtained after 20 to 40 days depending on seed origin and test conditions. Maximum germination ranges from 6 to 57%. Three treatments were first compared in order to stimulate germination: seed soaking in warm water for 24 h, watering germination trays with algae extracts and placing floating row covers over the trays. Angelica germination was significantly improved only by row covers with a maximum of 24% vs 19%. Results were obtained from experiments with other techniques (stratification, seed conditioning, etc,...) to further improve germination. 2 Working for the Horticultural Research Centre, Laval University, Que.