PJB-2005-77
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON SEED GERMINATION OF SEVEN CALLIGONUM SPECIES
JUN REN*, JIN ZIXUE **, LING TAO*
Abstract
Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the effects of temperature on the seed germination of 7 Calligonum species, dominant shrubs in shifting sand dunes and stabilized sand fields in the northern desert of China. In August 1998, seeds of Calligonum were collected and exposed to different temperatures. The results suggested that there is no relationship between the temperature treatment and germination rate. Optimum germination occurred at 20°C. Minimum germination time of 3-4 days was recorded for C. junceum, C. leucocladum, C. gobicum and C. mongolicum at 22°C; approximately 3 days for C. arborescens and C. caput-medusae and 6 days for C. rubicundum. The 12°C treatment significantly increased the minimum germination time from those recorded at 20°C and 22°C by about 4-9 days for all seven species. Calligonum species germinated readily between 18-22°C. Maximum germination occurred at 20°C in C. gobicum and C. arborescens and at 22°C in C. junceum, C. leucocladum, C. rubicundum, C. mongolicum and C. caput-medusae. Seeds germinated faster at higher constant temperatures.
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