Seed germination responses to varying environmental conditions and provenances in Crucianella maritima L., a threatened coastal species

Seed germination (effects of light, temperature, NaCl and KNO3) of the coastal endangered species Crucianella maritima was investigated by testing seeds from three different populations. Data were analyzed by means of Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM). The principal results showed that germination of C. maritima seeds was characterized by photoinhibition, absence of primary dormancy and salt-induced secondary dormancy, with no need for high nutrient availability (KNO3). Intraspecific differences in germination pattern emerged, apparently due to a different seed mass. These results show important germination traits of C. maritima which should be taken into account in possible reintroduction attempts aimed at restoring threatened populations of this species. © 2011 Académie des sciences.