Seed persistence and germination traits

Seed persistence in the soil under field conditions is issue for the maintenance of local plant populations and the restoration of plant communities. Saatkamp et al. compare seed survival in a burial experiment with data on various germination traits for a range of Mediterranean annual plants. Germination rate, light requirement for germination and germination in response to diurnally fluctating temperatures are found to be related to seed survival; however, survival differs according to season and this interacts with germination traits.