Optimization of culture media for seedling establishment of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch.

Domestication, cultivation and crop production of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedttsch. are important to preserve genetic resources of the species. In this regard, in order to identify the proper medium and nutrient solution for the seedling establishment of B. persicum, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was carried out under greenhouse conditions with three replications. Experimental factors consisted of culture medium at three levels of cocopeat, sand and soil, and Hoagland solution in five concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The results showed that the highest seedling emergence percentage (37.7) was observed in cocopeat without Hoagland solution. The highest seedling vigor index (773) and also green area of seedling (2.14 cm2/plant) and the lowest seedling vigor index (205) were observed in cocopeat and soil media (both with 75% Hoagland solution), respectively. Maximum tuberization percentage (100) was recorded in the sand with 50% Hoagland solution. The highest tuber weight (76.0 mg) and volume (79.2 mm3) were obtained in the sand with 75% Hoagland solution without any significant difference with the results of sand with 50% Hoagland solution treatment. Generally, the results of this study indicated that using a medium with suitable porosity and water holding capacity and also irrigation with at least 50% Hoagland solution can improve seedling emergence percentage, seedling establishment, and production of tuber with appropriate size in B. persicum.