Aerial seed bank affects germination in two small-seeded halophytes in Arab Gulf desert
Aerial seed banks protect seeds against granivores, help seed dispersal over time and maintain seeds in a favorable microhabitat. We hypothesized that the aerial seed bank in maternal tissues could protect halophyte seeds from lethal salinity effects of soils. Effects of aerial (in plant canopy) and room-temperature (lab) storage on subsequent germination behavior were assessed for two small-seeded halophytes: Halocnemum strobilaceum (known to be salt tolerant, with a short-term aerial seed bank -less than 9...
Ecological role of distinct fruit-wing perianth color in synchronization of seed germination in Haloxylon salicornicum
Haloxylon salicornicum is a perennial shrub that grows in sandy and stony desert areas. This species produces two types of dispersal unit with yellow and pink winged perianths that are wind dispersed. This species has been considered as an excellent sand binder and can tolerate extreme temperature, drought and salinity. We compared the germination characteristics of both colored dispersal units (with and without a wing) under various light, temperature and salinity treatments. It was found...
[Seed colour affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two Lotus species (Fabaceae) of the Arabian subtropical deserts, El color de la semilla afecta los requerimientos de luz y temperatura durante la germinación en dos especies de Lotus (Fabaceae) de los desiertos subtropicales Árabes]
Heterogeneity in seeds mostly occurs due to physiological, environmental and genetic factors, and these could affect seed dormancy and germination. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the effect of seed colour on germination behavior. For this, both light and temperature requirements were assessed in Lotus glinoides and Lotus halophilus (Fabaceae) from the hyper-arid deserts of the United Arab Emirates. Germination was assessed in terms of both final germination level (percentage) and germination...
Germination response of Salsola schweinfurthii (Chenopodiaceae) to salinity and winged perianth removal
Salsola schweinfurthii is a perennial branched halophytic shrub that inhabits arid environments in and around the Arabian Peninsula. Its tolerance to extreme drought renders it suitable for urban arid landscaping. Germinability of intact and de-winged seeds (winged perianth removed) was determined under two photoperiods (0 and 12 hours 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...
Maternal salinity environment affects salt tolerance during germination in Anabasis setifera: A facultative desert halophyte
The effects of maternal salinity and light incubation on the salinity tolerance of the facultative halophyte Anabasis setifera during their germination stages were assessed. Seeds were collected from non-saline habitats in Egypt and saline habitats in ARE (UAE). The seeds of the two populations were germinated in 0, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mM NaCl, and incubated at 25°C/15°C in both 12-h light and 12-h darkness regimes and continuous darkness. Significantly more seeds germinated...
Effects of maternal salinity on salt tolerance during germination of Suaeda aegyptiaca, a facultative halophyte in the Arab Gulf desert
Suaeda aegyptiaca is a facultative halophyte found in saline and non-saline habitats of the Arab Gulf desert, which produces small-sized undispersible seeds. The interactive effects of maternal salinity and other environmental conditions, such as salinity, light and temperatures, that are prevailing during seed germination have received little attention for a facultative halophyte. This study tested the effects of maternal salinity on salt tolerance during seed germination of S. aegyptiaca under different light and temperature regimes. Seeds collected from...
Storage on maternal plants affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two small seeded halophytes in the Arabian deserts
Seeds are either stored in a soil seed bank or retained on maternal plants until they are released (aerial seed bank). Though there are extensive studies on the germination requirements of seeds in soil banks of saline habitats, studies conducted for halophytes with aerial seed banks are rare. We assessed the impact of aerial and room-temperature storages on the light and temperature requirements during germination in two small-seeded halophytes: Halocnmum strobilaceum having a short-term aerial...
Perianth colour affects germination behaviour in wind-pollinated Salsola rubescens in Arabian deserts
Salsola rubescens Franch. is a wind-pollinated halophytic shrub that produces fruits with red and yellow winged perianths. Germinability of seeds from both fruit types was determined under various light, temperature, and salinity treatments. Red seeds, with and without winged perianths, were heavier than yellow seeds. Germination percentage and germination rate index (speed) were significantly affected by the perianth colour, presence of wings, and temperature and light of incubation and most of their interactions. Germination percentage...