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Influence of current and future climate on the seed germination of Cenostigma microphyllum (Mart. ex G. Don) E. Gagnon & G. P. Lewis

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Abstract

Seasonally tropical dry forests are among the most threatened environments by climate change. However, these forests, which are at risk of desertification, are still poorly studied and conserved. Seeds of several species endemic to the Caatinga, a Brazilian dry forest, are also understudied, mainly regarding their ability to cope with a hotter and drier climate predicted for the future. For the first time in seeds of Cenostigma microphyllum (Leguminosae), we aimed to study the presence of physical dormancy, temperature and salt tolerance to ascertain the effects of current and future climate on seed germination. Intact and scarified seeds were investigated by incubating at constant temperatures (15 to 40°C) or in NaCl solutions (−0.2 to −1.0 MPa) at 25 and 30°C. Thermal and osmotic thresholds, as well as thermal time and hydrotime constants, were calculated using linear regressions between the germination conditions and germination rate. To predict germination in the future, a heat sum model based on thermal time and hydrotime was applied to current and future climate scenarios. Seeds of C. microphyllum were permeable to water and did not have physical dormancy. The results indicated that increases in temperature are unlikely to affect germination, despite greater sensitivity to salinity presented at higher temperatures. In a future climate, the reduction in the number of weeks with at least 15 mm rainfall will affect the germination timing for the seeds. Thus, we can conclude that under the most pessimistic climate scenario predicted for the future, the seed germination of C. microphyllum may be restricted, likely leading to low seedling recruitment and establishment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Postgraduate Programme in Agronomy: Irrigated Horticulture, University of the State of Bahia, Avenida Edgard Chastinet Guimarães, São Geraldo, Juazeiro, CEP: 48905-680, Bahia, Brazil

    Samara Elizabeth Vieira Gomes

  2. Post-Programme on Plant Genetic Resources of the State University of Feira de Santana, Avenida Transnordestina, s/n - Novo Horizonte,, CEP 44036-900, Bahia, Brazil

    Gilmara Moreira de Oliveira

  3. Uninassau College, Clementino Coelho, 714 - Centro, Petrolina - PE,, Pernambuco, CEP 56308-210,, Brazil

    Marcelo do Nascimento Araujo & Bárbara França Dantas

  4. Department of Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, UK

    Charlotte E. Seal

  5. Embrapa Semiarid, BR 428, km 152, Zona Rural, Caixa Postal 23, Petrolina, Pernambuco, CEP 56302-970, Brazil

    Bárbara França Dantas

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  1. Samara Elizabeth Vieira Gomes
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Correspondence to Bárbara França Dantas.

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Gomes, S.E.V., de Oliveira, G.M., Araujo, M.d.N. et al. Influence of current and future climate on the seed germination of Cenostigma microphyllum (Mart. ex G. Don) E. Gagnon & G. P. Lewis. Folia Geobot 54, 19–28 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12224-019-09353-4

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