A comparative study of seed germination of two Alliumspecies from different habitats in the Negev Desert highlands

Abstract

Seed germination of Allium truncatum and Allium rothii from natural populations in the Negev were compared over a range of NaCl concentrations, naturally fluctuating or constant temperatures, light and dark. No germination occurred after the first 7 days of imbibition. The fastest germination was at 10 and 15°C but there was none at 25°C. The higher the NaCl concentration, the lower the germination. Allium truncatum plants inhabit wadis with crowded vegetation and the seeds germinate in the dark better than in the light, in natural and constant temperatures. Allium rothii plants inhabit open areas. There is no difference between germination in light and dark, in constant 5 to 15°C. Germination at 20°C in light is higher than in dark and in naturally fluctuating temperatures the germination in dark is higher.