GERMINATION TRIALS AND DOMESTICATION POTENTIAL OF THREE NATIVE SPECIES WITH EDIBLE SPROUTS: RUSCUS ACULEATUS L., TAMUS COMMUNIS L. AND SMILAX ASPERA L.

Ruscus aculeatus, Tamus communis and Smilax aspera are wild species whose young spring sprouts are consumed in some areas of Italy. Although sometimes abundant in the natural vegetation, these species are not common on a country basis. Sprouts are therefore only locally commercially available. Cultivation could contribute to make them better known and increase vegetable product differentiation. Seed germination was investigated by applying the following treatments: control, concentrated H₂SO₄ for 5 or 10 minutes; GA₃ at 500 ppm coupled or not with H₂SO₄, ethrel 1 or 3 mM, KNO₃ 0.2 or 0.4%, natural stratification. Germination was very low, and of no practical interest, for S. aspera, ranging from 0 to 65% for the two other species. The mean germination time was 140-220 days. KNO₃ and ethrel at low dose improved, GA₃ and H₂SO₄ decreased, and stratification had no effect on germination. Germination time was shorter at higher germination rates. Domestication opportunities are discussed, considering growth habit, cultural traits and consumer acceptance.