A rapid method to determine germinability and viability of Agriophyllum squarrosum (Amaranthaceae) seeds

Agriophyllum squarrosum is a pioneer summer annual of moving sand dunes that is used for vegetation rehabilitation. However, there is much variability in the germination of seeds collected at different times and locations. Our primary aim was to develop an effective method for assessing seed viability and germinability of seeds of this species. The effects of scarification, gibberellin (GA), ethylene (ETH), fluridone (FL) and cold stratification on germination in the dark at 30/20°C (optimum conditions for germination) were tested on three seed lots. Seed mass increased 26% after 24 hours of incubation, showing that the seed coat is water permeable. Final germination increased from 8-15% to more than 93% after mechanical scarification. GA3 and GA₄₊₇ resulted in 56 and 74% germination, respectively, and more than 90% of seeds treated with ETH and FL germinated. Cold stratification for 4-12 weeks promoted germination, with seeds germinating to 71% after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment with ETH or FL was the most rapid and effective method for overcoming the non-deep physiological dormancy in seeds of A. squarrosum.