GERMINATION AND SEEDLING RESPONSE OF ATLANTIC AND GULF COASTS POPULATIONS OF UNIOLA PANICULATA

Germination response following various periods of cold treatment and seedling response to temperature, daylength, and salinity were studied for several Atlantic and Gulf coasts populations of Uniola paniculata L. Results indicated that Atlantic coast Florida populations did not require cold treatment prior to germination at 95–65 F, but that populations from Virginia and North Carolina did. Gulf coast populations exhibited a germination response intermediate between those just mentioned. Seedling studies revealed that alternating diurnal thermoperiods with daytime temperatures of 80 F and above produced good vegetative growth in all populations with little preference for either short- or long-day conditions. Gulf coast populations produced the most biomass under all treatment conditions. Seedlings from a North Carolina and a Florida population indicated no difference in substrate salt tolerance. Salt tolerance was reduced in the higher temperature thermoperiod for both populations. Seedlings from these two populations produced more biomass in a salt spray treatment than in substrate salinity treatments.     

The salinity tolerance of Ophiothrix angulata (Say) (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) in latitudinally separate populations

Ophiothrix angulata (Say) from an estuary in South Carolina were less tolerant of reduced salinity than those from an estuary in Florida. Animals from North Inlet, South Carolina, became incapacitated more rapidly after exposure to a reduced salinity, and were less able to recover after return to normal salinity. This difference probably results from the more severe selection for salinity tolerance at Cedar Key, Florida. The Florida estuary has a lower average salinity (25‰) than that in South Carolina (30‰), and has more frequent extended periods of reduced salinity. The two populations are of different color varieties and size; there may be differences in the breeding seasons as well. The South Carolina and Florida populations of Ophiothrix angulata may represent different races.     

SEED GERMINATION RESPONSE AND EVIDENCE FOR HEIGHT ECOPHENES IN SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA FROM NORTH CAROLINA

A study was conducted to determine germination response to temperature and salinity and seedling response to salinity by three height forms of the salt marsh grass Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Germination tests showed that seeds cannot withstand drying at moderate temperature, as viability was lost within 40 days in seeds stored dry at 72 F. Cold storage at 43 F is adequate to prevent desiccation up to 40 days, but after 8 months viability is lost. Viability is retained at least 8 months when seeds are stored in sea water at 43 F. Germination response was good in a 65–95 F alternating diurnal thermoperiod but was poor in a 72 F constant thermoperiod. Germination response to salinity was an inverse curvilinear relationship with germination inhibition at high salinities apparently due to osmotic effects. The maximum tolerance limit for germination lies between 6 and 8 % NaCl. Seeds from short, medium, and tall plants responded similarly in storage and temperature studies. However, in salinity studies, seeds of the Ocracoke Island short form and the Oak Island tall form performed best. A logarithmic curve best described seedling growth response to various NaCl levels. Growth response as measured by seedling dry weight was best in 0.5 % NaCl solution. Seedlings grew taller in both 0.5 and 1.0 % NaCl than in 0 % NaCl. No significant difference in seedling growth response due to height form of the parent plant was detected. Thus, on the basis of germination and seedling responses, the height forms of S. alterniflora in North Carolina salt marshes are best described as ecophenes.     

Effects of salinity levels and seed mass on germination in Australian species of Frankenia L. (Frankeniaceae)

Halophyte species demonstrate differing levels of salt tolerance. Understanding interspecific variation to salinity levels is of value from both the scientific perspective, which includes the identification of traits associated with salinity tolerance, as well as from an applied perspective, which includes identifying plant species for specific salinity restoration and remediation projects. This paper investigates the effects of salinity on germination of 12 Australian species of the plant genus Frankenia L. (Frankeniaceae). We use saline solutions that corresponded to the average soil–water salinity concentrations in the arid zones of inland Australia. These solutions consisted of 10 mM calcium chloride, 30 mM magnesium sulphate, and 450 mM sodium chloride. The aims of our study were: (1) to investigate the germination (germination rates, germination success) of Frankenia seeds to four salinity levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%), (2) to test for possible interaction effects between seed mass, germination, and salinity, and (3) to examine the effect of salinity levels on the inhibition of germination and/or seed damage. Species varied in their salt tolerance for germination rates and success. Species with larger seeds had higher germination rates and germination success for high salinity levels. Several species did not germinate well at any salinity level. Finally, no seeds were adversely affected by exposure to high salinity levels pre-germination. There is potential for including some Frankenia species in remediation and revegetation projects in areas affected by salinity, and also as garden plants in saline regions.     

Seed flotation and germination of salt marsh plants: The effects of stratification, salinity, and/or inundation regime

We examined the effects of cold stratification and salinity on seed flotation of eight salt marsh species. Four of the eight species were tested for germination success under different stratification, salinity, and flooding conditions. Species were separated into two groups, four species received wet stratification and four dry stratification and fresh seeds of all species were tested for flotation and germination. Fresh seeds of seven out of eight species had flotation times independent of salinity, six of which had average flotation times of at least 50 d. Seeds of Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens had the shortest flotation times, averaging 24 and 26 d, respectively. Following wet stratification, the flotation time of S. alterniflora seeds in higher salinity water (15 and 36 ppt) was reduced by over 75% and germination declined by more than 90%. Wet stratification reduced the flotation time of Distichlis spicata seeds in fresh water but increased seed germination from 2 to 16% in a fluctuating inundation regime. Fresh seeds of Iva frutescens and S. alternflora were capable of germination and therefore are non-dormant during dispersal. Fresh seeds of I. frutescens had similar germination to dry stratified seeds ranging 25-30%. Salinity reduced seed germination for all species except for S. alterniflora. A fluctuating inundation regime was important for seed germination of the low marsh species and for germination following cold stratification. The conditions that resulted in seeds sinking faster were similar to the conditions that resulted in higher germination for two of four species.     

Asymbiotic germination response to photoperiod and nutritional media in six populations of Calopogon tuberosus var. tuberosus (Orchidaceae): evidence for ecotypic differentiation

Background and Aims

Ecotypic differentiation has been explored in numerous plant species, but has been largely ignored in the Orchidaceae. Applying a specific germination protocol for widespread seed sources may be unreliable due to inherent physiological or genetic differences in localized populations. It is crucial to determine whether ecotypic differentiation exists for restoration and conservation programmes. Calopogon tuberosus var. tuberosus, a widespread terrestrial orchid of eastern North America, is a model species to explore ecotypic differences in germination requirements, as this species occupies diverse habitats spanning a wide geographical range.

Methods

Mature seeds were collected from south Florida, north central Florida, three locations in South Carolina, and the upper Michigan peninsula. Effects of three photoperiods (8/16, 12/12, 16/8 h L/D) were examined on asymbiotic in vitro seed germination and seedling development of C. tuberosus. Germination and early development was monitored for 8 weeks, while advanced development was monitored for an additional 8 weeks. In an additional experiment, asymbiotic seed germination and development was monitored for 8 weeks on six culture media (BM-1 terrestrial orchid medium, Knudson C, Malmgrem, half-strength MS, P723, and Vacin and Went). A tetrazolium test for embryo viability was performed.

Key Results

Short days promoted the highest germination among Florida populations, but few differences among photoperiods in other seed sources existed. Different media had little effect on the germination of Michigan and Florida populations, but germination of South Carolina seeds was higher on media with higher calcium and magnesium. Tetrazolium testing confirmed that South Carolina seeds exhibited low viability while viability was higher in Florida seeds. Seed germination and corm formation was rapid in Michigan seeds across all treatments. Michigan seedlings allocated more biomass to corms compared with other seed sources.

Conclusions

Rapid germination and corm formation may be a survival mechanism in response to a compressed growing season in northern populations. Ecotypic differentiation may be occurring based on seed germination and corm formation data.Key words: Asymbiotic germination, corm development, Calopogon tuberosus, ecotypic differentiation, native orchid, orchid seed germination, seedling development     

盐度和温度对北美海蓬子在厦门海区引种以及生长特性的影响

研究了厦门海区盐度和温度对北美海蓬子（Salicornia bigelovii）种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。结果显示,海蓬子种子对温度变化反应非常敏感,在15°C时发芽率最高（94%）,但萌发指数最低,而在20°C时萌发指数最大;在盐度5g·L^-1时种子具有最高的发芽率和萌发指数,在盐度50g·L^-1时仍有13.3%的发芽率,并且各种盐度处理下逐日萌发指数均能在2天内达到最大。盐度10-20g·L^-1最适宜幼苗生长,高盐（〉30g·L^-1）具有一定的抑制作用,主要表现为生长缓慢,含水量和根系活力下降,并且根的盐敏感程度大于茎。在不同盐度处理下,北美海蓬子适应一种新的耐盐机制,在无盐（0g·L^-1）和高盐（40g·L^-1）胁迫下,过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）和过氧化物酶（peroxide,POD）这2种酶蛋白对盐离子效应敏感,起主要的抗氧化作用;相反,生长在适宜盐度范围（10-30g·L^-1）内,超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）维持较高活性。研究结果表明,北美海蓬子适宜在沿海滩涂环境条件下生长,有望作为一种抗盐耐海水蔬菜加以开发和利用,并进一步在污染海水净化修复中发挥可能的生态功能。     

Comparative <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> germination ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calopogon tuberosus</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">tuberosus</Emphasis> (Orchidaceae) across its geographic range

Seed responses to temperature are often essential to the study of germination ecology, but the ecological role of temperature in orchid seed germination remains uncertain. The response of orchid seeds to cold stratification have been studied, but the exact physiological role remains unclear. No studies exist that compare the effects of either cold stratification or temperature on germination among distant populations of the same species. In two separate experiments, the role of temperature (25, 22/11, 27/15, 29/19, 33/24°C) and chilling at 10°C on in vitro seed germination were investigated using distant populations of Calopogon tuberosus var. tuberosus. Cooler temperatures promoted germination of Michigan seeds; warmer temperatures promoted germination of South Carolina and north central Florida seeds. South Florida seed germination was highest under both warm and cool temperatures. More advanced seedling development generally occurred at higher temperatures with the exception of south Florida seedlings, in which the warmest temperature suppressed development. Fluctuating diurnal temperatures were more beneficial for germination compared to constant temperatures. Cold stratification had a positive effect on germination among all populations, but South Carolina seeds required the longest chilling treatments to obtain maximum germination. Results from the cold stratification experiment indicate that a physiological dormancy is present, but the degree of dormancy varies across the species range. The variable responses among populations may indicate ecotypic differentiation.     

盐度和温度对北美海蓬子在厦门海区引种以及生长特性的影响

研究了厦门海区盐度和温度对北美海蓬子 (Salicornia bigelovii )种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。结果显示, 海蓬子种子对温度变化反应非常敏感, 在15°C时发芽率最高(94%), 但萌发指数最低, 而在20°C时萌发指数最大; 在盐度5 g.L-1时种子具有最高的发芽率和萌发指数, 在盐度50 g.L-1时仍有13.3 %的发芽率, 并且各种盐度处理下逐日萌发指数均能在2天内达到最大。盐度10-20 g.L-1最适宜幼苗生长, 高盐(＞30 g.L-1)具有一定的抑制作用, 主要表现为生长缓慢, 含水量和根系活力下降, 并且根的盐敏感程度大于茎。在不同盐度处理下, 北美海蓬子适应一种新的耐盐机制, 在无盐(0 g.L-1)和高盐(40 g.L-1) 胁迫下, 过氧化氢酶(catalas e, CAT)和过氧化物酶(peroxide, POD)这2种酶蛋白对盐离子效应敏感, 起主要的抗氧化作用; 相反, 生长在适宜盐度范围(10-30 g.L-1)内, 超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase, SOD)维持较高活性。研究结果表明, 北美海蓬子适宜在沿海滩涂环境条件下生长, 有望作为一种抗盐耐海水蔬菜加以开发和利用, 并进一步在污染海水净化修复中发挥可能的生态功能。     

THE EFFECT OF SALINITY AND TEMPERATURE ON THE GERMINATION OF POLYMORPHIC SEEDS AND GROWTH OF ATRIPLEX TRIANGULARIS WILLD.

Polymorphic seeds of Atriplex triangularis were germinated at various temperatures (5–15 C, 5–25 C, 10–20 C, 20–30 C) and salinity regimes (0 to 1.5% NaCl) in order to determine their germinability and early seedling growth under these conditions. Larger seeds generally had a higher germination percentage in saline medium. The rate and percentage of germination decreased with increased salinity stress. A thermoperiod of 25 C day and 5 C night, 12 hr/12 hr, temperature enhanced germination of seeds. Early seedling growth is promoted in larger seeds at lower salinity, and at high-day and low-night temperatures. Polymorphic seeds have different physiological requirements which provide alternative situations for seed germination in natural habitats.     

Dormancy and germination responses of halophyte seeds to the application of ethylene

Ethylene is invariably produced during seed germination but its role in regulating seed dormancy and germination is poorly understood. Seeds of 22 halophytic species having different life forms – salt secreting dicots, salt secreting monocots, stem succulents and leaf succulents were germinated in Petri dishes kept in a growth chamber set at 20/30 °C (night/day) temperature and a 12 hr light period. Sodium chloride and ethephon were added to the medium from the beginning of the experiment. Seed germination was recorded every other day for twenty days. Application of ethylene did not have any significant effect on releasing seeds from innate dormancy. However, it appeared to have a role in alleviation of salinity effects which varied from negative in certain species to almost complete alleviation of high salinity effects in others.Our data indicates that ethylene appears to have little role in breaking innate seed dormancy however, in most halophyte seeds studied, application of ethylene alleviate the salinity effect to various degrees. Halophyte seeds which could germinate under saline conditions approaching twice the salinity of seawater may offer clues to understand management of seed germination under highly saline conditions. To cite this article: M.A. Khan et al., C. R. Biologies 332 (2009).     

Bracteoles affect germination and seedling establishment in a Mediterranean population of Atriplex portulacoides

The germination and subsequent seedling establishment of Atriplex portulacoides from a population in SW Spain were investigated in response to the presence or absence of attached bracteoles, at a range of NaCl concentrations (0–6%). Increasing salinity reduced both the final germination percentage and the speed of germination. The presence of bracteoles greatly inhibited germination and this effect was more marked with increasing salinity; bracteoles completely inhibited germination at salinities higher than 2%. The effects of salinity were substantially reversible, as cumulative germination after transfer of ungerminated seeds to distilled water was similar in all salinity treatments. This enforced dormancy could serve to prevent germination of floating fruits during dispersal in seawater. However, after transfer to distilled water the germination of seeds with bracteoles was still significantly lower than those without them, as a result of both higher dormancy and lower viability (as revealed by tetrazolium testing). Bracteoles thus also appear to enforce some physical dormancy. Seedlings derived from seeds with bracteoles demonstrated higher survival rates in fresh water than those derived from seeds without bracteoles but at 2% salinity there was no difference, and at higher salinities no seedlings of either type survived.     

The effect of extended exposure to hypersaline conditions on the germination of five inland halophyte species

In order to determine how salinity and exposure time affect seed viability and germination, seeds of five halophytes, Atriplex prostrata, Hordeum jubatum, Salicornia europaea, Spergularia marina, and Suaeda calceoliformis were exposed to 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0% NaCl solutions for 30, 60, 90, 365, and 730 d. Recovery experiments in distilled water indicated significantly different species responses to salinity over time. Percentage germination and rate of germination in H. jubatum were dramatically reduced following extended exposure and all seeds exposed to 10% NaCl for > 1 yr failed to germinate. Spergularia marina seeds were stimulated following short-term exposure to 3% NaCl; however, germination was delayed and overall germination was significantly reduced with exposure time in the two higher salinity levels. Percentage germination in A. prostrata decreased over time, but salinity level was not related to this reduction. Germination of S. europaea and S. calceoliformis, the most salt-tolerant species being tested, was stimulated by exposure to high salinity. Both species had a significant increase in percentage germination and in the germination rate when compared to seeds germinated in distilled water. Baseline germination data from seeds placed in 0, 1, 2, and 3% NaCl solutions indicated that S. europaea and S. calceoliformis were the only species to germinate in the 3% NaCl solution. Spergularia marina failed to germinate in the 2% NaCl treatment, and germination of A. prostrata and H. jubatum was significantly reduced at this salinity level. It is concluded that prolonged exposure to saline solutions can inhibit or stimulate germination in certain species, and the resulting germination and recovery responses are related to the duration and intensity of their exposure to salt in their natural habitats.     

Variation in temperature and light but not salinity invokes antioxidant enzyme activities in germinating seeds of Salsola drummondii

Seeds with efficient antioxidant defence system show higher germination under stress conditions; however, such information is limited for the halophyte seeds. We therefore studied lipid peroxidation and antioxidant responses of a leaf-succulent halophyte Salsola drummondii during seed germination under different salinity levels (0, 200 and 800 mM NaCl), temperature (10/20, 20/30 and 25/35°C) and light regimes. Seeds absorbed water and germinated in less than 1 h in non-saline control while increases in salinity decreased the rate of water uptake as well as seed germination. Non-optimal temperatures (10/20 and 25/35°C) and complete dark condition reduced seed germination in comparison to those seeds germinated under optimal temperature (20/30°C) and 12-h photoperiod, respectively. Generally, higher lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in seeds at non-optimal temperature and in those seeds germinated in dark. Decrease in reduced ascorbic acid content was found in highest salinity and temperature treatments, while reduced glutathione content did not change significantly with changes in salinity, temperature and light regimes. These results indicate variation in temperature and light but not salinity enhances antioxidant enzyme activities in germinating seeds of Salsola drummondii.     

Tolerance and recovery responses of playa halophytes to light,salinity and temperature stresses during seed germination

Halogeton glomeratus (M. Bieb.) C.A. Mey., Lepidium latifolium Linn. and Peganum harmala Linn. are distributed in temperate salt playa habitats of Upper Hunza, Pakistan. Seeds were germinated under various salinity (0–500 mM NaCl), light (12 h-light:12 h-dark and 24 h-dark) and temperature (5/15, 10/20, 15/25, 20/30, and 25/35 °C, dark/light) regimes for 20 days to determine the optimal conditions for germination and recovery of seeds from these factors when exposed to less than optimal conditions. Seeds that failed to germinate in dark were transferred successively to 12 h-photoperiod, salinity to distilled water and from various temperature regimes to 20/30 °C, to determine the effect of these stresses and the ability of these seeds to recover respectively. Highest seed germination (H. glomeratus and L. latifolium: 100%; P. harmala: 80%) was obtained in non-saline control at 20/30 °C in 12 h-photoperiod, however, increase in salinity progressively inhibited seed germination. Seed germination of H. glomeratus and P. harmala was substantially inhibited and that of L. latifolium was prevented in dark. Salinity and dark treatments have a synergistic effect in inhibiting seed germination of all species. No seed of any species germinated at 5/15 °C; germination was substantially inhibited at 25/35 °C both for H. glomeratus and P. harmala while L. latifolium failed to germinate at 25/35 °C. Rate of germination also decreased with an increase in salinity at all temperature regimes but this effect was minimal at optimal temperature regime of 20/30 °C. After successive elimination of light, salinity and temperature stresses, final seed germination was identical to respective controls. The results indicate that seeds of these temperate halophytes could endure environmental stresses without losing viability and germinate readily when these stresses are removed. Under the extremely variable conditions of the playa habitat these species are highly opportunistic exploiting the windows of opportunity available during spring or early summer.     

Effect of mercury and cadmium on germination of Spartina alterniflora Loisel seeds at various salinities

Spartina alterniflora seeds were germinated in solutions containing mercury or cadmium at various salinity levels for 30 days under controlled conditions. Daily counts of epicotyl emergence were used to calculate an intial rate of germination (first 5 days), time for seeds treated with metal and salt to yield 50% of untreated seeds (distilled water treatment) and total germination at the end of the experiment (30 days). Seeds remaining ungerminated after 30 days were put through a series of washings and treatments to remove metal and salinity stresses. This was done in such a way so that osmotic and toxic effects could be identified. Results indicated both mercury and cadmium reduce the germination rate, total performance and long-term viability after an initial stimulation of germination. Increases in the detrimental effect were directly correlated with increases in salinity level and metal concentration. Findings also indicate some salt (possibly chloride ion) toxicity to S. alterniflora seeds.     

Seed germination and seedling growth of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) in the chesapeake bay

Seed germination and seedling growth of Zostera marina L. were monitored in the Chesapeake Bay in 1979 and 1980. Harvested seeds were placed in small acrylic tubes at several sites representing the salinity range of Z. marina distribution. Seed germination was observed first in late September and continued through May, with peaks in the fall and spring. The majority of seeds that germinated (66%) did so between December and March when water temperatures ranged from 0–10°C. There was no correlation between sites (different salinity regimes) and frequency of germination rates, indicating that salinity was not a major factor in the germination process in this study. Additional information on seed germination was available for seeds collected in 1977 and 1980 and subsequently monitored for germination at only one site. These data were similar to germination frequency recorded in 1979–1980.Seedling growth was measured from individuals collected from an existing Zostera marina bed. Seedlings were collected from November through May, at which time we could no longer distinguish seedlings from existing vegetative stock. Growth was characterized by the increased length of the primary shoot, number of leaves per shoot and numbers of shoots per plant. Seedling growth was slow during the winter months (water temperature ? 10°C) but rapidly increased in the spring (temperatures > 10°C). The size range of the harvested seedlings indicated that seed germination in the field probably occurred from October through April, corroborating evidence from the seed germination experiments.     

Effects of salinity and temperature on ex situ germination of the threatened Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster,Symphyotrichum laurentianum Fernald (Nesom)

The threatened Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster, Symphyotrichum laurentianum Fernald (Nesom), is an annual coastal halophyte of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. We examined the effects of salinity (0–20 g/L) and temperature (16–30°C) on germination of S. laurentianum seeds over 32 days. The time‐course of germination was significantly affected by both salinity and temperature. At lower temperatures (16°C and 23°C), germination was inhibited by salt water at days 16 and 32. However, at 30°C germination rates after 16 days were highest at an intermediate salinity, whereas after 32 days germination was uniformly high in all salinity treatments. Overall, the effect of temperature on germination was much stronger than the effect of salinity. Delays in germination resulting from exposure to salinity or from low soil temperatures could set up strong size asymmetries between seedlings of S. laurentianum and the surrounding vegetation, leading to suppression of growing seedlings via shading. Because germination has the potential to be a significant population bottleneck for this seed‐dependent annual, conservation efforts should consider microsite suitability for germination in the management of natural populations and in the selection of sites for explants.     

Seed Germination and Radicle Growth of a Halophyte, Kalidium caspicum(Chenopodiaceae)

Effects of temperature, light, NaCl and polyethylene glycol(PEG)-6000 on seed germination and radicle growth in a halophyticshrub, Kalidium caspicum(L.) Ung.-Sternb. were investigated.When seeds were incubated in deionized water at constant temperaturesbetween 10 and 30°C, the percentage germination in the darkexceeded 75%; light suppressed seed germination at alternatingtemperatures. Incubating seeds with a hypersaline solution ofNaCl for 30 d had no adverse effect on their germinability.The percentage germination of seeds incubated with a –0.8MPa NaCl solution was 73, 80 and 54% at 10, 20 and 30°C,respectively, but all radicles died before their length exceeded5 mm. In contrast, when seeds were incubated with a –0.8MPa PEG solution at 20°C, 68% of seeds germinated, and 95%of the emerging radicles survived beyond 5 mm. The high sensitivityof small radicles of this species to salinity indicated thatsalt must be removed from the soil surface for seedling establishment.Copyright2000 Annals of Botany Company Chinese desert, radicle growth, germination, halophyte, Kalidium caspicum, salinity     

Effects of maternal salinity on salt tolerance during germination of Suaeda aegyptiaca,a facultative halophyte in the Arab Gulf desert

Suaeda aegyptiaca is a facultative halophyte found in saline and non‐saline habitats of the Arab Gulf desert, which produces small‐sized undispersible seeds. The interactive effects of maternal salinity and other environmental conditions, such as salinity, light and temperatures, that are prevailing during seed germination have received little attention for a facultative halophyte. This study tested the effects of maternal salinity on salt tolerance during seed germination of S. aegyptiaca under different light and temperature regimes. Seeds collected from both saline and non‐saline habitats of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were germinated in 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mM NaCl, and incubated at 15/25°C, 20/30°C and 25/35°C in both 12‐h light/12‐h dark regimes and continuous darkness. Generally, seeds of the non‐saline habitat were 56% heavier and attained greater germination at the lower temperatures than seeds of the saline habitat. Seeds of the saline habitat germinated better in saline solutions at higher temperatures and in light. Germination was faster for seeds of the saline habitat than for seeds of non‐saline habitats. Germination recovery after transfer to distilled water was significantly greater for seeds from the non‐saline habitat, compared with seeds from saline habitats. Recovery was greater at lower and/or moderate temperatures, compared with at higher temperatures. Germination was significantly faster during recovery, compared with in the saline solutions. The study indicates that the maternal effect of salinity was confounded with the seed‐size effect and it cannot be conclusively confirmed.