Effects of environmental factors on seed germination and seedling establishment in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

The bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a spontaneous dwarf shrub with potential for national and international markets due to food and medicinal uses of its fruits, being considered an important source of sugars, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The objective of this study was to assess the most suitable conditions for in vivo and in vitro seed germination in order to improve the reproductive performance of this species under artificial and controlled environments. Fresh seeds showed a better germination capacity (76%) than stratified ones. At 25 °C the germination rate decreased to 66% and very few seeds (8%) germinated at 15 °C. Darkness always had a negative influence on the germination capacity. Temperature proved to be the most influential physical factor on bilberry seed germination. Seedlings obtained from in vivo experiments showed good development.