Germination response of Arabian desert species to gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate seed treatment. (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhatt, Arvind; Carón, María Mercedes; Gallacher, David; Bhat, N. R.
• Is Part Of: Plant biosystems. Volume 154:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 737
• Page End: 745
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Desert -- dormancy -- GA3 -- KNO3 -- germination; Botany -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Plants -- Periodicals; 581
• DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2019.1686079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1126-3504

Abstract

Abstract: Desert plant species commonly use seed dormancy to prevent germination during unfavorable environmental conditions and thus increase the probability of seedling survival. Seed dormancy presents a challenge for restoration ecology, particularly in desert species for which our knowledge of dormancy regulation is limited. In the present study the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3 ) and potassium nitrate (KNO3 ) on seed dormancy release was investigated on eight Arabian desert species. Both treatments significantly enhanced the germination of most species tested. GA3 was more effective than KNO3 in enhancing germination percentage, reducing mean germination time and synchronizing the germination in most of the studied species. Light requirement during germination was species-specific, but in general the presence of light promoted germination more effectively when combined with KNO3 and GA3 . The wide variation in dormancy and germination requirements among the tested species is indicative of distinct germination niches, which might assist their co-existence in similar habitat/environmental conditions. Seed pre-treatments that optimize germination in this habitat must therefore be assessed for individual species to improve the outcomes of ecological restoration.