Germination response of Salsola schweinfurthii (Chenopodiaceae) to salinity and winged perianth removal

A. BHATT; F. PÉREZ-GARCÍA; M. MERCEDES CARÓN; D. GALLACHER

SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ISTA-INT SEED TESTING ASSOC

Lugar: Bassersdorf; Año: 2016

0251-0952

Salsola schweinfurthii is a perennial branched halophytic shrub that inhabits arid environments in and around theArabian Peninsula. Its tolerance to extreme drought renders it suitable for urban arid landscaping. Germinabilityof intact and de-winged seeds (winged perianth removed) was determined under two photoperiods (0 and 12hours light per day), three thermoperiods (daily low/high of 15/25, 20/30 and 25/35°C) and five salinity levels(0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 mM NaCl). Germination was maximised (93%) by de-winging and incubation in12 hours light at 25/35°C. Intact and de-winged seeds both exhibited positive photoblastism. Germination ofintact seeds was entirely prevented by the lowest level of salinity, and only slightly less prevented in de-wingedseeds. Ability to germinate returned after saline solution was replaced with distilled water. The ability forS. schweinfurthii seeds to remain viable through a temporary period of salinity indicates an adaptation tounpredictable soil surface conditions in arid environments. Artificial propagation rates might be increased byremoving perianths and sowing before or after mid-winter.