Forty-three years of long-term storage of Ipomoea purpurea L. (Roth) seeds - features of germination and plant growth

The germination of seeds stored for 43 years and the growth of Ipomoea purpurea L., Convolvulaceae, under specific conditions were studied. Seeding densities and watering regimes varied. First germination occurred on day 7, with 3-7 or 9-17 seeds sprouting per dish, depending on size. Germination energy was 12-29%, and final rates ranged from 54-85%. Germinated seed numbers increased gradually in both conditions (with and without drying), but values were higher with partial drying (proven significant). With moderate watering, 87% of seeds germinated, but overwatering reduced germination. Post-germination, seedlings grew rapidly and uniformly. For some seeds, the coat broke, causing decay without a viable sprout; 0-4 seeds per dish were affected. Rates matched previous tests on these seeds stored 26 and 33 years (88-93% germination). Thus, 43 years of storage does not cause critical germination loss in Ipomoea purpurea seeds and supports further studies. Keywords: long-term storage of seeds, Ipomoea purpurea, seed germination, plant growth