Germination specialities of some saline plant species

Abstract

Seeds of Achillea aspleniifolia, Artemisia santonicum, Aster tripolium subsp. pannonicum, Inula britannica, Limonium gmellinii subsp. hungaricum and Podospermum canum were collected from five different sodic habitats in Hungary: Apajpuszta, Cegléd, Dinnyés, Farmos and Fülöpszállás. We compared the germination percentage and rate among the populations and determined the optimal sowing depth and substrate preference. We observed big differences among the species and even the habitats. Outstanding dynamics was measured for Achillea aspleniifolia and Artemisia santonicum species. Highest germination percentage was reached by Podospermum canum. Germination stress-tolerance index was the highest for Podospermum canum, while the lowest was determined for Inula britannica. The germination rate of the species did not reach the volumes reported in the publications. The majority of species germinated in light, optimal substrate was seedling growing medium. Podospermum canum proved to be a highly stress-tolerant species.