Light, temperature, dry after‐ripening and salt stress effects on seed germination of <scp> <i>Phleum sardoum</i> </scp> ( <scp>H</scp> ackel) <scp>H</scp> ackel

Abstract

Abstract Phleum sardoum is an endemic psammophilous species of S ardinia, growing exclusively on coastal sandy dunes. The effect of glumes on seed germination, germination requirements at constant (5–25° C ) and alternating (25/10° C ) temperatures, both in the light (12/12 h) and in the dark were evaluated, as well as the effect of a dry after‐ripening period (90 days at 25° C ), the salt stress effect (0–600 mmol NaCl ) and its recovery on seed germination. The presence of glumes reduced final germination percentages. For fresh naked seeds, high germination percentages were observed at 10° C . Dry after‐ripening increased germination rate at low temperatures, but did not affect final germination percentages. NaCl determined a secondary salt‐induced dormancy which recovery interrupted only partially. Our results highlighted that this species has its optimum of germination during autumn–winter when, under a M editerranean climate, water availability is highest and soil salinity levels are minimal.