PROSOPIS JULIFLORA SEED GERMINATION: EFFECT OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SCARIFICATION AND EFFECT OF OSMOTIC AND WATER STRESS ON SEED GERMINATION

The study examines the germination process of Prosopis juliflora, a highly invasive species in arid and semiarid regions such as Brazil’s Caatinga. This species poses ecological risks by outcompeting native flora, thereby impacting biodiversity. Yet, it also provides essential resources like fuel and fodder in economically vulnerable areas. Here, we highlight the effectiveness of chemical scarification, especially with sulfuric acid, in breaking seed dormancy, leading to rapid and synchronized germination. Addi-tionally, P. juliflora seeds demonstrate notable tolerance to saline and arid conditions, though germination rates vary signifi-cantly between osmotic stress treatments, particularly PEG and NaCl. High NaCl levels inhibit germination less severely than PEG, showing that P. juliflora may better endure salinity over osmotic stress. The germination and recovery patterns under vary-ing environmental stresses indicate adaptive resilience, contributing to its invasive success. Insights from these germination mechanisms can guide management strategies aimed at controlling its spread while potentially leveraging its adaptive traits in ecological restoration.