Abstract
Studies on seed germination and seedling development in different environmental conditions help to understand the ability of exotic species to colonize new environments. Cryptostegia madagascariensis is an exotic invasive species in the semiarid Caatinga Phytogeographical Domain, in the northeastern region of Brazil. In this study, was evaluate how the abiotic factors interfere in germination and the impacts of a water deficit in the initial growth of seedlings. During germination, the seeds were exposed to different temperatures (constant and alternating) combined with two light conditions (white and dark light). In germination, we also evaluated the effects of water and saline stress. In initial growth, the seedlings were submitted to four levels of water availability (100%, 70%, 40% and 10% of field capacity). The milder (20 at 30°C) and alternate temperatures studied provided greater germination four days after sowing, independent of light. High temperatures (35°C) are a limiting factor for germination, as well as water and saline stress (>2 MPa). The water deficit reduces the growth of the seedlings, but these showed morphological adaptations to the different treatments. However, lower levels of water reduced its invading potential. Therefore, factors such as high temperature (> 30° C), saline and water stress, reduce its germination potential and the reduction of water availability affects its growth, but not its survival.
Highlights
Invasive species cause impacts at different scales, altering soil properties, reproductive potential and causing losses in biological diversity [1, 2]
Studies on seed germination and emergence of seedlings are important tools to help understanding the potential for colonization of exotic species in introduced areas [7], the optimal conditions for germination are generally similar to those required for growth [8]
The seeds used in the experiment were collected at the Experimental Farm Vale do Curu, which belongs to the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) and is located in Pentecoste County, Ceará State, Brazil
Summary
Invasive species cause impacts at different scales, altering soil properties, reproductive potential and causing losses in biological diversity [1, 2]. Studies on seed germination and emergence of seedlings are important tools to help understanding the potential for colonization of exotic species in introduced areas [7], the optimal conditions for germination are generally similar to those required for growth [8]. The success of an invasive species in different environmental conditions is related to its ability to utilize limited resources efficiently [10]. In many arid regions exotic species invade areas of higher water availability [12]. Studies regarding invasive plants that occur in riparian or flooded areas of dry regions, show that these species are able adapt to the reduction in water availability [13, 14]
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