Effect of five substrates and three seed types on Calendula officinalis (Asteraceae) germination and seedling development

The investigation was carried out during May - June 1996 in Agronomical Sci ences College - UNESP, Campus de Botucatu. The objective was to study the e ffect of seed types (carenate, alate and orbicular) and different substrate s (vermiculite, sand, soil, commercial mixture and producer's mixture) on C alendula officinalis germination and seedling development. The design was in randomized blocks, with 4 replications. The germination i ndex of the seeds was evaluated, as well as the development of aerial part and root system of the seedlings. Results showed that seed types have no relation with seedling development, therefore, germination was better on alate and orbicular seeds in C, offici nalis. With reference to the substrates, the producer's mixture and the com mercial mixture gave better germination and seedling development.