Investigating seed germination of 10 arid-land plant species

Due to the increasing attentions on multiple uses from rangelands, methods of improving seed germination rates were investigated on 10 arid rangeland species, which have ornamental and/or pharmacological values. 9 dormancy breaking treatments were applied, in a completely randomized design. Seeds were then located in an incubator and daily germination rates were recorded. Between treatments, gibberlic acid caused the greatest influence, on germination of 5 out of 10 species. Low temperature, potassium nitrate, high temperature, sulphuric acid, and water imbibitions also increased germination rates of 3, 3, 3, 2, and 1 species respectively. Lowest effect was found for polyethylene glycol and wet sand treatments. The applied treatments led to high increases in germination rates of Stachys inflata, Pteropyrum aucheri, Capparis spinosa and Fortynia bungei. However, the results for Atraphaxis spinosa, Calligonum polygonoides, Calligonum bungei, Isatis cappadocica, Glaicium oxylobum, and Iris songarica may not be applicable for field workers, because of low (0-5 %) germination rate of these species, while they are valuable for researchers. Further interesting results of this experiment was a logical relationship between treatment that caused the highest increase in germination rate, and phenology stages, habitat conditions of some species.