Effects of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination of <i>Salix linearistipularis</i>

Abstract

The effects of soil moisture, temperature, storage condition, drought, and saline-alkali stress on seed germination of Salix linearistipularis were studied by simulating natural field conditions in the laboratory. (1) S. linearistipularis seeds demonstrate a fast water absorption rate, with a maximum absorbed amount of 200% within 30 min. (2) The seeds require accurate soil moisture and start to germinate when they contain sufficient water. The optimal soil moisture ranged from 100% to 200%, and the seeds did not germinate when the water content was lower than 25%. (3) The suitable temperature for seed germination ranged from 25°C to 30°C, but the process was inhibited when the temperature was lower than 15°C or higher than 35°C. (4) The seeds were short-lived with a germination rate of 3% in 45 d at room temperature. After storage at−80°C for 1 year, the seed germination rate remained 50% and (5) was significantly inhibited by saline-alkali and drought stresses. Low concentrations of NaHCO 3 solution can promote the growth of the seedlings and young roots of S. linearistipularis .