DESERT SPECIES: SEED GERMINATION, ECOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENT, AND LAND AREA PROTECTION

This study investigates the effects of seasonal variations on seed germination, dormancy, and ecological strategies in desert-adapted grasses and halophytes. Using species such as Chloria virgata, Coelachyrum brevifolium, Cenchrus ciliaris, Pennisetum divisum, Panicum turgidum, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, and Halothamnus iraqensis, the research evaluates germination parameters under varying temperature regimes, light conditions, and seed bank types. Results revealed that seeds matured in summer exhibited higher mass, synchrony, and germination rates than winter-matured seeds, which displayed greater dormancy. Physical barriers like winged perianths significantly reduced germination, with de-winged seeds showing a marked improvement. Aerial seed banks demonstrated higher germination rates than soil seed banks, emphasizing their role in maintaining seed viability and supporting population dynamics under fluctuating conditions. Photoblastic responses varied, with species like C. ciliaris showing positive photoblasticity, while others displayed neutral or negative responses. These findings underscore the adaptive mechanisms desert plants employ to optimize germination timing, enhance survival, and support ecological restoration. The research highlights practical implications for rangeland rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of understanding seed dormancy and germination dynamics in arid ecosystems.