Effects of seed colour heterogeneity on germination behaviour of a desert plant, Lotononis platycarpa (Fabaceae)
18 September 2017
Gairola, Sanjay; Shabana, Hatem; Mahmoud, Tamer; Santo, AndreaThe aim of this study was to determine the ecological role of the three seed morphs, observed for the first time in a desert population of Lotononis platycarpa (Fabaceae), in regard to their germination requirements. Seeds sorted based on seed coat colour into, olive green, orange and brown, were germinated in laboratory conditions under two photoperiods (12/12-h light and continuous dark) and three alternating temperature regimes (25/15, 20/30 and 25/35 °C). The three distinct types of seeds of L. platycarpa differed in their seed mass, germination percentage and speed of germination. Overall, the light-incubated seeds of this species germinated with higher percentages as compared to seeds in the total darkness. Seeds with orange coat germinated with higher percentages at 15/25 and 25/35°C (up to 60%, for both) and showed significant difference in speed of germination over the other two seed coat colours. The findings of our study may be an indication of the adaptive significance of seed colour heterogeneity in the harsh desert habitat inhabited by the study species. Germination studies with collecting seeds from other populations is recommended for further research.