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THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS ON THE GERMINATION, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUAEDA DEPRESSA (PURSH) WATS
Author(s) -
Williams Michael D.,
Ungar Irwin A.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.1002/j.1537-2197.1972.tb10166.x
Subject(s) - germination , biology , salinity , shoot , photoperiodism , horticulture , distilled water , dry weight , botany , nitrogen , growth rate , agronomy , ecology , chemistry , geometry , mathematics , organic chemistry , chromatography
A study was made to determine the effect of environmental parameters on the germination, growth, and development of Suaeda depressa (Pursh) Wats. Germination tests showed that seeds germinated in solutions containing up to 4 % NaCl with no toxic effects indicated after treatment with distilled water. The rate of germination and the percentage germination decreased with increased salinity. The effect of environmental parameters on growth was measured by shoot height, side shoot development, leaf length, and dry weight. Growth was greatest in 1 % NaCl solutions with adequate available nitrogen. With increased salinity and low available nitrogen levels plant growth decreased. A 10‐hr photoperiod stimulated immediate floral induction. Although flowering and completion of the life cycle occurred in solutions containing up to 4 % NaCl, increased salinity decreased the rate of floral induction and the dry weight of flowers and fruit produced. This study indicates that environmental parameters such as salinity, available nitrogen, and photoperiod can create a variety of growth forms, causing taxonomic confusion.