Effects of drought and low temperature on seed germination of four mint species

In the present study, the effects of drought simulating by PEG-6000 and low temperature on seed germination and seedling growth of four mint species were evaluated. The results showed that drought and low temperature had significant impacts (P<0.05) on the germination and seedling growth of four mint species seeds. The treatments with 30% PEG-6000 and 8~10 ℃ low temperature seriously restrained the seed germination and growth. Mentha citrata seeds showed stronger resistance to drought. The germination percentage of these four mint species seeds were the highest with the 22~24 ℃ treatment. There were differences for the growth of stem, root and leaves. The radicale and leaves of M. citrata grew well under 12~14 ℃. Interaction of drought and low temperature also had significant effect on the germination and growth of four species of mint seeds (P<0.001).