Ecological adaptation strategies in alien species: effects of salinity, temperature and photoperiod on Spartina alterniflora Loisel. seed germination

Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass), a perennial grass native to the coastal marshes of eastern America, is widely distributed in northern China since 1979 of its introduction. In the tidal marshlands of north China, S. alterniflora has displaced native species and is presently dominant member of the community owing to its opportunistic characteristics. In this study we investigated S. alterniflora seed germination responses to different temperatures, between 5.25[degrees]C in one thermoperiod (16/26[degrees]C) and in two light treatments - 10/14h (night/day) photoperiod and dark conditions. Variations of seed germination at different storage temperatures and storage duration were also examined. In addition, the effect of different salt concentrations on seed germination was evaluated. The optimal temperature for germination was 25[degrees]C and 16/26[degrees]C (night/day) thermo-period - germination percentage was greater than 90%. Light intensity had no influence on the percent of seed germination and germination indices when seeds were exposed to identical temperatures. At 120 d of storage and -5, 0, and 5[degrees]C temperatures, germination percentage exceeded 75%. The optimal salinity level for seed germination was 150 mM NaCl. Germination percentages were highest (> 90%) when salinity did not exceed 450 mM NaCl. The ability of S. alterniflora seeds to germinate under a wide range of temperature and light conditions resulted in continued seedling development under high salinity.