ABSTRACT


Carlos Ramírez García1
 
Simple methods for increasing the percentage of germination of Rubus constrictus and Ulex europaeus were investigated. It was found, for Ulex europaeus, that the seed treatment with boiling water for 60 seconds followed by cooling in tap water, was adequate. For Rubus constrictus, it was found sufficient to take out the seeds from the fruit inmediately after recollection and rinsing them with tap water. To obtain a high percentage of germination the seeds had to be rubbed strongly on sandpaper, selecting those that have lost their initial reddish color but are still keeping their seed coat undestroyed.
In organic soil Rubus constrictus grew better than Ulex europaeus. However its ability to compete with the latter was much greater when grown in a clay-rich soil. R. constrictus growth was also clearly favoured when compared to that of Ulex europaeus, under the temperature and humidity conditions used in the experiment.
The growth and development of Ulex europaeus was better in a low organic matter and clay rich soil but its competitive ability with Rubus constrictus was the same in both type of soils.
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1Dr. Instituto de Botánica, Universidad Austral de Chile. Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile.