Germination of Three Species of Atrifilex1

Abstract

AbstractTrailing saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata R. Br.), quailbush [A. lentiformis (Torr.) Wats.], and fat‐hen [A. patula ssp. hastata (L.) Hall & Clem.] are adapted for growth in saline‐alkaline areas and provide valuable cover, browse, and/or feed for waterfowl. We undertook this study to evaluate the germination characteristics of these species which have potential as artifically‐seeded revegetation species. Germination tests were conducted at 55 constant and alternating temperatures. The constant temperatures were 0, 2, and 5 C and in 5° increments through 40 C. Alternating temperature regimes consisted of 16 hours at each constant and 8 hours daily at each higher constant temperature. Tests were conducted in both lighted and dark germinators for entries that responded to light at six constant temperatures. In addition, tests were conducted with presoaked seeds at eight constant temperatures. Germination was evaluated on sand, loam, and clay textured substrates. The optimum germination for all three species tended to occur with alternating rather than constant temperatures. Fat‐hen was the only species whose germination was enhanced by light during the warm period. Seeds of this species were highly germinable with optimum germination averaging 96%. ‘Corto’ trailing saltbush and quailbush seeds were also highly germinable. However, overall mean germination and optimum germination were somewhat lower than those observed for fathen. Presoaking and rinsing the false‐fruits increased the germination of the other two species at some incubation temperatures, but not the germination of fat‐hen. The species differed in requirements for seed burial with fat‐hen germinating on the surface of sand, loam, and clay soils but quailbush largely requiring burial. Trailing saltbush exhibited intermediate germination requirements relative to seed burial. Although each species had a different germination profile, seedbed temperatures within moderate ranges will not be limiting to their use as revegetation species.