Evidence of interpopulation variation in the germination of Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae)

Abstract Germination is considered as one of the most crucial steps in a plant’s lifetime. The germination Eryngium maritimum , dune species located across all European coasts, has been extensively analysed Northern populations, where it locally endangered species. However, less attention given to southern knowledge about very limited. main objective present study was analyse effect cold stratification Mediterranean and Atlantic population species, well compare potential variation seed dormancy among latitudinal gradient populations based on current literature. Seeds collected from Mallorca (Mediterranean, Spain) Asturias (Atlantic, were germinated at different temperatures periods ranging 4 20 weeks. These results merged with previous studies test latitude climatic variables germination. Although optimal incubation temperature 10 ºC, highest final percentages (up 96%) obtained both combining specific (5 ºC) constant (15–20 ºC). seeds needed longer times reach high compared seeds. Apart response, significant differences viability observed between populations. Considering data analysis, suggest that there ecological requirements, by which higher latitude, period required germinate, correlation mean annual temperature. suggests two factors, modulation relating adaptative or maternal effects viability, govern