Differences in the germination characteristics of Schoenoplectiella triangulata seeds and methods for breaking seed dormancy
Aims Schoenoplectiella triangulata is an emergent plant species widely used in wetland vegetation restoration.It is important to study the germination and dormancy characteristics of S.triangulata seeds from different populations for germplasm collection and scientific utilization.Methods In this study,differences in the morphological characteristics and germination characteristics of S.triangulata seeds were investigated,and the mechanisms of seed dormancy were explored.Important findings(1)The seeds of S.triangulata showed physiological dormancy(PD),and there were significant differences in morphology,PD,1 000-grain mass and water absorption characteristics among populations.(2)Light and variable temperature were conducive to seed germination of S.triangulata.(3)Sand storage at low temperatures,water storage at low temperatures and sand storage at normal temperatures helped to break the dormancy of S.triangulata seeds.Both fluridone and gibberellin treatments also helped to break the dormancy of S.triangulata seeds,but these effects varied among different populations.(4)Among different populations of S.triangulata,seed morphological characteristics,germination characteristics and dormancy characteristics were correlated with environmental conditions of the collection site.These results indicate that provenance should be considered when S.triangulata seeds were applied in wetland ecological restoration and that proper seed treatments before sowing could improve seed germination and the effectiveness of ecological restoration.