Dimorphic seeds of Salicornia ramosissima display contrasting germination responses under different salinities

In the present study we tested, under controlled conditions, the combined effect of seed dimorphism and salinity on the germination responses of Salicornia ramosissima. Results evidenced that the dimorphic seed bank of wild S. ramosissima could successfully germinate at a salinity range from 0 to 25 ≈428 mM NaCl. However, germination responses were higher at salinities lower than 15 ≈ 257 mM NaCl, showing also a lower variability within seed type, indicating that for an optimized response this salinity should be considered as a threshold in combination with a sustainable use of freshwater resources. As variability in germination responses tends to increase with salinity, under scenarios of higher salinity and freshwater scarcity, seed selection should be considered in order to optimize seed germination output.