Improving seed germination of native species for camel rangeland restoration: effects of cold stratification and temperature

Native plants of the Sahara are remarkably resistant to prolonged droughts and important sources forage, food, medicine. Their regeneration from seeds after strong anthropogenic disturbances is a challenging step toward their conservation mitigate desertification. We studied germination responses 43 dominant native species desert that could be propagated for future ecological restoration projects, exploring effects cold stratification temperatures on seed germination. Seeds were stratified at 4°C 3 days then tested 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40°C. While negatively affected four species, it improved 36 species. Five these required germinate. Temperatures during trial significantly influenced germinability. Twenty-three (54%) germinated higher percentages intermediate (20 30°C) similar maximum rainiest months, when in field high. Thirteen (30%) also temperature (40°C). Seven (16%) best low (5 10°C). Our results suggest an efficient easy treatment apply prior sowing restoration.