Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Strategies of seed dispersal and germination in plants inhabiting deserts

  • Published:
The Botanical Review Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Massive seed consumption is typical in many deserts. The “escape” or “protection” strategies of seed dispersal are important, as they prevent massive seed consumption.

The more extreme the desert, the more unpredictable the low amounts and distribution of the rains as well as the beginning and length of the season or seasons with rains. Seeds, which have the highest resistance to extreme environmental conditions, develop during germination into seedlings, which are the most sensitive. Therefore, germination of parts of the seed population at their respective proper times spreads the risk over time and is thus very important for plant survival, especially in those plants inhabiting the more extreme deserts.

Each of the plant species studied was found to have its own survival strategies of seed dispersal and germination. At least two extreme seed-dispersal and germination strategies have been observed: 1) the “escape” seed dispersal and “opportunistic” portioned seed-germination strategies, such as inSchismus arabicas andSpergularia diandra, and 2) the “cautious” portioned dispersal by rain of the protected seeds, such as inAsteriscus hierochunticus and portioned dispersal and rapid germination strategies such as inBlepharis spp.

The fate of future generations, as far as the germinability of seeds of some species is concerned, depends on the influences of maternal and environmental factors when the seeds are still on the mother plant, mostly during the final stage of seed maturation, as inTrigonella arabica. It may even depend on the position of the caryopsis from which the mother plant originated, as inAegilops geniculata.

The dry post-maturation conditions and the environmental factors during seed wetting and germination may also affect the percentage of seed germination, as inSchismus arabicus.

Гуггерман

Для экстремального т ипа пустынь характер на непредсказуемость к оличества и распреде ления осадков, а также начала и продол жительности сезона д ождей. Кроме того, типичным явлением дл я многих пустынь явля ется массовое поедание семян живот ными и насекомыми.

Устойчивые к экстрем альным условиям семе на развиваются при прорастании в про ростки, обладающие чр езвычайной чувствительностью. П оэтому для выживания растения в экстремальной пусты не особенно важны вер ные сроки прорастания, а также п рорастание только ча сти семенной популяции. Эти механи змы помогают растени ям снизить риск гибели проростков. Дл я защиты от массового поедания после созревания важны стр атегии “бегства” и “з ащиты” в распространении сем ян.

Характерная стратег ия распространения и прорастания семян обнаружена для каждо го изученного вида ра стений. Отмечены два крайних типа стра тегий:

1) “бегство” в распрост ранении семян и “оппортунистическа я” стратегия частичног о прорастания семенн ой популяции. Примерами могут служ ить Schismus arabicus и Spergularia diandra, 2) “осторожое” частич ное распространение защищенных семян сем ян при увлажнении, как у Asteriscus pygmaeus, или частичное распр остранение семян в со четании со стратегией быстрого прорастания у видов Blepharis.

Свойства семян завис ят от условий во время их развития на материнском растени и, особенно на заверша ющей стадии их созревания, как у Trigonella arabica. У Aegilops geniculata механизм прорастани я семян связан даже с расположением зерновки на материнс ком растении. Свойств а семян и стратегия их прорастания влияю т на развитие растени й последующих поколений

Хранение семян после созревания в жарких и сухих условиях, а также усло вия окружающей среды во время увлажнения и прораст ания семян, могут влия ть на процент прорастания семян Schismus arabicus.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  • Abramsky, Z. 1983. Experiments on seed predation by rodents and ants in the Israeli desert. Oecologia57: 328–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, S., B. R. Strain &M. S. Adams. 1970. Water-repellent soils and annual plant cover in a desert community of Southeast California. Ecology51: 696–700.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aitken, Y. 1939. The problem of hard seeds in subterranean clover. Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria51: 187–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Angevine, M. W. &B. F. Chabot. 1979. Seed germination syndromes in higher plants. Pages 188–206in O. T. Solbrig et al. (eds.), Topics in plant population biology. Columbia University Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayal, Y. In press. Time-lags in insect response to plant productivity: significance for plant-insect interactions in deserts. Ecol. Ent.

  • — &I. Izhaki. 1993. The effect of the mirid bugCapsodes infuscatus on fruit production of the geophyteAsphodelus ramosus in a desert habitat. Oecologia93: 518–523.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballard, L. A. T. 1973. Physical barriers to germination. Seed Sci. Techn.1: 285–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bar, Y., Z. Abramsky &Y. Gutterman. 1984. Diet of gerbilline rodents in the Israeli Desert. J. Arid Environm.7: 371–376.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbour, H. G. 1970. Germination and early growth of the strand plantCakile maritima. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club97: 13–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barrett-Lennard, R. A. &J. S. Gladstones. 1964. Dormancy and hard-seededness in Western Australian Serradella (Ornithopus compressas L.). Austral. J. Agr. Res.15: 895–904.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton, L. V. 1965a. Seed dormancy: General survey of dormancy types in seeds, and dormancy imposed by external agents. Pages 698–720in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XV. Differentiation and development. Part 2. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1965b. Dormancy in seeds imposed by the seed coat. Pages 727–745in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XV. Differentiation and development. Part 2. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baskin, J. M. &C. C. Baskin. 1978. Seasonal changes in the germination response ofCyperus inflexus seeds to temperature and their ecological significance. Bot. Gaz.139: 231–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1981. Seasonal changes in the germination responses of buriedLamium amplexicaule seeds. Weed Res.21: 299–306.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1983. Seasonal changes in the germination responses of buried seeds ofArabidopsis thaliana and ecological interpretation. Bot. Gaz.144: 540–543.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1984a. Effects of temperature during burial on dormant and nondormant seeds ofLamium amplexicaule L. and ecological implications. Weed Res.24: 333–339.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1984b. Role of temperature in regulating timing of germination in soil seed reserves ofLamium purpureum L. Weed Res.24: 341–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1985. The annual dormancy cycle in buried weed seeds: a continuum. BioScience35: 492–498.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1993. Annual seed dormancy cycles in two desert winter annuals. J. Ecol.81: 551–556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Batanouny, K. H. 1981. Ecology and flora of Qatar. Alden, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &H. Ziegler. 1971. Eco-physiological studies in desert plants. II. Germination ofZygophyllum coccinum seeds under different conditions. Oecologia8: 52–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beadle, N. C. W. 1952. Studies of halophytes. I. The germination of the seed and establishment of the seedlings of five species ofAtriplex in Australia. Ecology33: 49–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beatley, J. C. 1974. Phenological events and their environmental triggers in Mojave Desert eco-systems. Ecology55: 856–863

    Google Scholar 

  • Beneke, K. 1991. Fruit polymorphism in ephemeral species of Namaqualand. M. Sc. thesis, University of Pretoria.

  • Bernstein, R. A. 1974. Seasonal food abundance and foraging activity in some desert ants. Amer. Naturalist108: 490–498.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bewley, J. D. 1980. Secondary dormancy (skotodormancy) in seeds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Grand Rapids) and its release by light, gibberellic acid and benzyladenine. Pl. Physiol.49: 277–280.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • — &M. Black. 1978. Physiology and biochemistry of seeds in relation to germination. Vol. 1, Development, germination, and growth. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1982. Physiology and biochemistry of seeds in relation to germination. Vol. 2, Viability, dormancy, and environmental control. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blair, T. A. 1942. Climatology. Prentice-Hall, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boeken, B. 1986. Utilization of reserves in some desert geophytes. Ph.D. thesis, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &Y. Gutterman. 1990. The effect of temperature on seed germination in three common bulbous plants of different habitats in the central Negev Desert of Israel. J. Arid Environm.18: 175–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borthwick, H. A. &S. B. Hendricks. 1961. Effects of radiation on growth and development. Pages 299–330in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XVI. External factors affecting growth and development. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,—.,E. H. Toole &V. K. Toole. 1954. Action of light on lettuce-seed germination. Bot. Gaz.115: 205–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowers, M. A. 1987. Precipitation and the relative abundances of desert winter annuals: a 6-year study in the northern Mohave Desert. J. Arid Environm.12: 141–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brayton, R. D. &B. Capon. 1980. Productivity, depletion, and natural selection ofSalvia columbariae seeds. Aliso9: 581–587.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. H., J. J. Grover, D. W. Davidson &G. A. Lieberman. 1975. A preliminary study of seed predation in desert and montane habitats. Ecology56: 987–992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burdett, A. N. 1972. Antagonistic effects of high and low temperature pretreatments on the germination and pregermination ethylene synthesis of lettuce seeds. Pl. Physiol.50: 201–204.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cantliffe, D. J., J. M. Fischer &T. A. Nell. 1984. Mechanism of seed priming in circumventing thermodormancy in lettuce. Pl. Physiol.75: 290–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capon, B. &P. E. Brecht. 1970. Variations in seed germination and morphology among populations ofSalvia columbariae Benth. in southern California. Aliso7: 207–216.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &W. Van Asdell. 1967. Heat pre-treatment as a means of increasing germination of desert annual seeds. Ecology48: 305–306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chesson, P. &N. Huntly. 1988. Community consequences of life-history traits in a variable environment. Anales Zoologici Fennici25: 5–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Childs, S. & D. W. Goodall. 1973. Seed reserves of desert soils. U.S./I.B.P. Desert Biome Research Memo: 73–75

  • Cloudsley-Thompson, J. L. 1991. Ecophysiology of desert arthropods and reptiles. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohn, M. A. 1989. Factors influencing the efficacy of dormancy-breaking chemicals. Pages 261–267in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Come, D. &F. Corbineau. 1989. Some aspects of metabolic regulation of seed germination and dormancy. Pages 165–179in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corbineau, F., D. Belaid &D. Côme. 1992. Dormancy ofBromus rubens L. seeds in relation to temperature, light and oxygen effects. Weed Res.32: 303–310.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,S. Lecat &D. Côme. 1986. Dormancy of three cultivars of oat seeds (Avena sativa L.). Seed Sci. Techn.14: 725–735.

    Google Scholar 

  • Courtney, A. D. 1968. Seed dormancy and field emergence inPolygonum aviculare. J. Appl. Ecol.5: 675–684.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crowfoot, G. M. &L. Baldensperger. 1932. From Cedar to hysop. Macmillan, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Danin, A. 1983. Desert vegetation of Israel and Sinai. Cana, Jerusalem.

    Google Scholar 

  • Datta, S. C., M. Evenari &Y. Gutterman. 1970. The heteroblasty ofAegilops ovata L. Israel J. Bot19: 463–483.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,—,—. 1972. The influence of the origin of the mother plant on yield and germination of their caryopses inAegilops ovata L. Planta105: 155–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Greef, J. A., H. Fredericq, R. Rethy, A. Dedonder, E. De Petter &L. Van Wiemeersch. 1989. Factors eliciting the germination of photoblastic Kalanchoe seeds. Pages 241–260in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duke, S. O., G. H. Egley &B. J. Reger. 1977. Model for variable light sensitivity in imbibed dark-dormant seeds. Pl. Physiol.59: 244–249.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Egley, G. H. 1989. Water-impermeable seed coverings as barriers to germination. Pages 207–224in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &S. O. Duke. 1985. Physiology of weed seed dormancy and germination. Pages 27–64in S. O. Duke (ed.), Weed physiology. Vol. 1. Reproduction and ecophysiology. CRC, Boca Raton, Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,R. N. Paul, Jr.,S. O. Duke &K. C. Vaughn. 1985. Peroxidase involvement in lignification in water-impermeable seed coats of weedy leguminous and malvaceous species. Pl. Cell Environm.8: 253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellner, S. &A. Shmida. 1990. An evolutionary game theory model for risk-taking. Pages 377–379in T. Ichishi, A. Neyman, & L. Y. Tauman (eds.), Game theory and applications. Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Epling, C., H. Lewis &F. Ball. 1960. The breeding group and seed storage: a study in population dynamics. Evolution14: 238–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evenari, M. 1952. The germination of lettuce seeds. I. Light temperature and coumarin as germination factors. Palestine J. Bot., Jerusalem Ser.5: 138–160.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1961. Chemical influences of otherplants (allelopathy). Pages 691–736in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XVI. External factors affecting growth and development. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1963. Zur Keimungsökologie zweier Wüstenpflanzen. Mitt. Florist-Soziol. Arbeitsgem. Niedersachsen10: 70–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1965. Light and seed dormancy. Pages 804–847in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XV. Differentiation and development. Part 2. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &Y. Gutterman. 1976. Observations on the secondary succession of three plant communities in the Negev Desert, Israel. I.Artemisietum herbae-albae. Pages 57–86in R. Jacques (ed.), Hommage au Prof. P. Chouard. Études de Biologie Végétale. C.N.R.S. Gif sur Yvette, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,A. Kadouri &Y. Gutterman. 1977. Ecophysiological investigations on the amphicarpy ofEmex spinosa (L.) CAMPD. Flora166: 223–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,D. Koller &Y. Gutterman. 1966. Effects of the environment of the mother plants on the germination by control of seed-coat permeability to water inOnonis sicula Guss. Austral. J. Biol. Sci.19:1007–1016.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • —,L. Shanan &N. Tadmor. 1982. The Negev. The challenge of a desert. Ed. 2. Harvard University Press, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,Y. Gutterman &E. Gavish. 1985. Botanical studies on coastal salinas and sabkhas of the Sinai. Pages 145–182in G. M. Friedman & W. E. Krumbein (eds.), Hypersaline ecosystems. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farrant, J. M., N. W. Pammenter &P. Berjak. 1993. Seed development in relation to desiccation tolerance: A comparison between desiccation-sensitive (recalcitrant) seeds ofAvicennia Marina and desiccation-tolerant types. Seed Sci. Res.3: 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feinbrun-Dothan, N. 1978. Flora Palaestina. Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Jerusalem.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenner, M. 1985. Seed ecology. Chapman & Hall, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freas, K. E. &K. R. Kemp. 1983. Some relationships between environmental reliability and seed dormancy in desert annual plants. J. Ecol.71:211–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, J. 1971. The effect of competition by adultZygophyllum dumosum Boiss. on seedlings ofArtemesia herba-alba Asso in the Negev Desert of Israel. J. Ecol.59: 775–782.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &G. Orshan. 1974. Allopatric distribution of two varieties ofMedicago laciniata (L.) Mill. in the Negev Desert. J. Ecol.62: 107–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1975. The distribution emergence and survival of seedlings ofArtemesia herba-alba Asso in the Negev Desert of Israel in relation to distance from the adult plants. J. Ecol.63: 627–632.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &Z. Stein. 1980. The influence of seed dispersal mechanisms on the dispersion ofAnastatica hierochuntica (Cruciferae) in the Negev Desert of Israel. J. Ecol.68: 43–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,N. Gunderman &M. Ellis. 1978. Water response of the hygrochastic skeletons of the true rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica L.). Oecologia32: 289–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Froud-Williams, R. J., D. S. H. Drennan &R. J. Chancellor. 1984. The influence of burial and dry-storage upon cyclic changes in dormancy, germination and response to light in seeds of various arable weeds. New Phytol.96: 473–481.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galil, J. 1938. The germination ofViscum crucatum Sieb. Palestine J. Bot., Jerusalem Ser.1: 103–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, J. F. (ed.). 1972. World survey of climatology. Vol. 10. Climates of Africa. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gutterman, Y. 1966. The photoperiodic response of some desert plants and the effect of the environment of the mother plants on the germination by control of seed coat permeability to water inOnonis sicula Guss. M. Sc. thesis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (In Hebrew.)

  • -. 1969. The photoperiodic response of some plants and the effect of the environment of the mother plants on the germination of their seeds. Ph.D. thesis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (In Hebrew.)

  • —. 1972. Delayed seed dispersal and rapid germination as survival mechanisms of the desert plantBlepharis persica (Burm.) Kuntze. Oecologia10: 145–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1974. The influence of the photoperiodic regime and red/far-red light treatments ofPortulaca oleracea L. plants on the germinability of their seeds. Oecologia17: 27–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1978. Seed coat permeability as a function of photoperiodical treatment of the mother plants during seed maturation in the desert annual plantTrigonella arabica del. J. Arid Environm.1: 141–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1980–1981a. Annual rhythm and position effect in the germinability ofMesymbranthemum nodiflorum. Israel J. Bot.29: 93–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1980–1981b. Review: Influences on seed germinability: Phenotypic maternal effects during seed maturation. Israel J. Bot.29: 105–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1982a. Observations on the feeding habits of the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) and the distribution of some hemicryptophytes and geophytes in the Negev Desert highlands. J. Arid Environm.5: 261–268.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1982b. Survival mechanisms of desert winter annual plants in the Negev highlands of Israel. Pages 249–283in H. S. Mann (ed.), Scientific reviews on arid zone research I. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1987. Dynamics of porcupine (Hystrix indica Kerr) diggings: Their role in the survival and renewal of geophytes and hemicryptophytes in the Negev Desert highlands. Israel J. Bot.36: 133–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1988. An ecological assessment of porcupine activity in a desert biome. Pages 289–372in P. K. Ghosh & I. Prakash (eds.), Ecophysiology of desert vertebrates. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1989. The importance of porcupine diggings for germination and establishment of desert annuals in the Negev Desert highlands. Pages 413–421in E. Spanier, Y. Steinberger & M. Loria (eds.), Environmental quality and ecosystem stability, IV-B. ISEEQS, Jerusalem.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1990a. Seed dispersal by rain (ombrohydrochory) in some of the flowering desert plants in the deserts of Israel and the Sinai Peninsula, Mitt. Inst. Allg. Bot. Hamburg23b: 841–852.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1990b. Do the germination mechanisms differ in plants originating in deserts receiving winter or summer rain? Israel J. Bot.39: 355–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1991. Comparative germination study on seeds matured during winter or summer of some bi-seasonal flowering perennial desert plants from the Aizoaceae. J. Arid Environm.21:283–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1992a. Ecophysiology of Negev Upland annual grasses. Pages 145–162in G. P. Chapman (ed.), Desertified grasslands: Their biology and management. Linnean Society Symposium Series, no. 13, Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1992b. Maternal effects on seeds during development. Pages 27–59in M. Fenner (ed.), Seeds: The ecology of regeneration in plant communities. C.A.B. International, Wallingford, U.K.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1992c. Influences of day length and red or far red light during the storage of post-harvested ripeCucumis prophetarum fruit, on the light germination of the seeds. J. Arid Environm.23: 443–449.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1993. Seed germination in desert plants. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • -. In press(a). Seed dispersal, germination and flowering strategies of desertplants.In M. Yelles (ed.), Encyclopedia of environmental biology. Academic Press, New York.

  • -. In press(b). Long-term seed position influences on seed germinability of the desert annualMesembryanthemum nodiflorum L. Israel J. Pl. Sci.

  • -. In press (c). In memoriam—Michael Evenari and his desert. Seed dispersal and germination strategies ofSpergularia diandra compared with some other desert annual plants inhabiting the Negev Desert of Israel. Israel J. Pl. Sci.

  • — &M. Agami. 1987. A comparative study of seeds ofHelianthemum vesicarum Boiss. andH. ventosum Boiss. perennial desert shrub species inhabiting two different neighbouring habitats in the Negev Desert highlands, Israel. J. Arid Environm.12: 215–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &B. Boeken. 1988. Flowering affected by day length and temperature in the leafless-flowering desert geophyteColchicum tunicatum, its life cycle and vegetative propagation. Bot. Gaz.149: 382–390.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &L. Edine. 1988. Variations in seed germination ofHelianthemum vesicarium andH. ventosum seeds from populations of two different altitudes in the Negev highlands, Israel. J. Arid Environm.15: 261–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &M. Evenari. 1972. The influence of day length on seed coat colour, an index of water permeability of the desert annualOnonis sicula Guss. J. Ecol.60: 713–719.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1994. The influences of amounts and distribution of irrigation during the hot and dry season on emergence and survival of some desert winter annual plants in the Negev Desert of Israel. Israel J. Pl. Sci.42: 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &S. Ginott. 1994. The long-term protected seed bank in the dry inflorescents, the mechanism of achenes (seeds) dispersal by rain (ombrohydrochory) and the germination of the annual desert plantAsteriscus pygmaeus. J. Arid Environm.26: 149–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &N. Herr. 1981. Influences of porcupine (Hystrix indica) activity on the slopes of the northern Negev mountains—germination and vegetation renewal in different geomorphological types and slope directions. Oecologia51: 332–334.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &D. Porath. 1975. Influences of photoperiodism and light treatments during fruits storage on the phytochrome and on the germination ofCucumis prophetarum L. andCucumis sativus L. seeds. Oecologia18: 37–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • -,F. Corbineau & D. Cöme. In press(b). Dormancy ofHordeum spontaneum caryopses from a population on the Negev Desert highlands. J. Arid Environm.

  • —,M. Evenari, R. Cooper, E. C. Levy &D. Lavie. 1980. Germination inhibition activity of a naturally occurring lignan fromAegilops ovata L. in green and infrared light. Experientia26: 662–663.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,—, &W. Heydecker. 1972. Phytochrome and temperature relations inLactuca sativa L. Grand Rapids seed germination after thermo-dormancy. Nat. New Biol.235: 144–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,T. Golan &M. Garsani. 1990. Porcupine diggings as a unique ecological system in a desert environment. Oecologia85: 122–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • -,R. Kamenetsky & M. Van Rooyen. In press(a). Comparative study of seed germination of twoAllium species from different habitats in the Negev Desert highlands. J. Arid Environm.

  • —,A. Witztum &M. Evenari. 1967. Seed dispersal and germination inBlepharis persica (Burm.) Kuntze. Israel J. Bot.16: 213–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,—,—. 1969. Physiological and morphological differences between populations ofBlepharis persica (Burm.) Kuntze. Israel J. Bot.18: 89–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hagon, M. W. &L. A. T. Ballard. 1970. Reversibility of strophiolar permeability to water in seeds of subterranean clover (Trigolium subterraneum L.). Austral. J. Biol. Sci.23: 519–528.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halevy, G. 1974. Effects of gazelles and seed beetles (Bruchidae) on germination and establishment ofAcacia species. Israel J. Bot.23: 126–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harper, J. L. 1957. The ecological significance of dormancy and its importance in weed control. Proc. of Int. Congr. on Crop Protection4: 415–420.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1977. Population biology of plants. Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harty, R. L. &T. J. McDonald. 1972. Germination behaviour in beach spinifex (Spinifex hirsutus Labill.). Austral. J. Bot.20: 241–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegarty, T. W. 1973. Temperature relations of germination in the field. Pages 411–431in W. Heydecker (ed.), Seed ecology. Butterworth, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1978. The physiology of seed hydration and dehydration, and the relation between water stress and the control of germination: A review. Pl. Cell Environm.1: 101–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heydecker, W. 1977. Stress and seed germination: An agronomic view. Pages 237–282in A. A. Khan (ed.), The physiology and biochemistry of seed dormancy and germination. North-Holland, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,J. Higgins &R. L. Gulliver. 1973. Accelerated germination by osmotic seed treatment. Nature246: 42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hilhorst, H. W. M. &C. M. Karssen. 1989. The role of light and nitrate in seed germination. Pages 191–205in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hord, O. 1986. Foraging behaviour of three species of harvesting ants in A vdat. M.Sc. thesis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. (In Hebrew.)

  • Hyde, E. O. C. 1954. The function of the hilum in some Papilionaceae in relation to the ripening of the seed and the permeability of the testa. Ann. Bot. (London)18: 241–257.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inouye, R. S. 1980. Density-dependent germination response by seeds of desert annuals. Oecologia46: 235–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • -. 1982. Population biology of desert annual plants. Ph.D. diss., University of Arizona, Tucson.

  • —. 1991 Population biology of desert annual plants. Pages 27–52in G. A. Polis (ed.), The ecology of desert communities. University of Arizona Press, Tucson.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,G. S. Byers &J. H. Brown. 1980. Effects of predation and competition on survivorship, fecundity, and community structure of desert annuals. Ecology61: 1344–1351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacques, R. 1968. Action de la lumiere par l’intermediaire du phytochrome sur la germination la croissance et le developpement deChenopodium polyspermum L. Physiol. Vég.6: 137–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, L. P. V. 1935. General preliminary studies on the physiology of delayed germination inAvena fatua. Canad. J. Res., Sect. C, Bot. Sci. 283–300.

  • Juhren, M., F. W. Went &E. Phillips. 1956. Ecology of desert plants. IV. Combined field and laboratory work on germination of annuals in the Joshua Tree National Monument, California. Ecology37: 318–330.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadman, A. 1954. Germination of some summer-annuals. M.Sc. thesis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (In Hebrew.)

  • Kamenetsky, R. &Y. Gutterman. 1993. Synaptospermy as a strategy of seed dispersal in desert geophytes, mainly from the genusAllium L. Pages 437–442in D. Côme & F. Corbineau (eds.), Basic and applied aspects of seed biology. Vol. 2. Proceedings of Fourth International Workshop on Seeds, Angers, France, 20–24 July 1992. ASFIS, Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1994. Life cycles and delay of seed dispersal in some geophytes inhabiting the Negev Desert highlands of Israel. J. Arid Environm.27: 337–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karssen, C. M. 1982. Seasonal patterns of dormancy in weed seeds. Pages 243–270in A. A. Khan (ed.), The physiology and biochemistry of seed development, dormancy and germination. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1980-1981. Environmental conditions and endogenous mechanisms involved in secondary dormancy of seeds. Israel J. Bot.19: 45–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,A. Haigh, P. van der Toorn &R. Weges. 1989. Physiological mechanisms involved in seed priming. Pages 269–280in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kassas, M. 1966. Plant life in deserts. Pages 145–180in E. S. Hills (ed.), Arid lands. Methuen, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, K. M. &J. van Staden. 1987. The lens as the site of permeability in the papilionoid seed,Aspalathus linearis. J. Pl. Physiol.128: 395–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keren, A. &M. Evenari. 1974. Some ecological aspects of distribution and germination ofPancratium maritimum L. Israel J. Bot.23: 202–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan, A. A. 1980–1981. Hormonal regulation of primary and secondary seed dormancy. Israel J. Bot29: 207–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • — &C. Samimy. 1982. Hormones in relation to primary and secondary seed dormancy. Pages 103–241in A. A. Khan (ed.), The physiology and biochemistry of seed development, dormancy and germination. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kigel, J. 1992. Diaspore heteromorphism and germination in populations of the ephemeralHedypnois rhagadioloides (L.) F. W. Schmidt (Asteraceae) inhabiting a geographic range of increasing aridity. Acta Oecologia13: 45–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,M. Ofi &D. Koller. 1977. Control of the germination responses ofAmaranthus retroflexus L. seeds by their parental photothermal environment. J. Exp. Bot28: 1125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, J. &F. J. Kohout. 1975. Analysis of variance and covariance: subprograms ANOVA and ONEWAY. Pages 398–433in H. Nie (ed.), Statistical package of the social sciences. McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolattukudy, P. E. 1980a. Cutin, suberin, and waxes. Pages 571–645in P. K. Stumpf (ed.), Lipids: Structure and function. Academic Press, Orlando, Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1980b. Biopolyster membranes of plants: Cutin and suberin. Science208: 990–1000.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1981. Structure, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of cutin and suberin. Annual Rev. Pl. Physiol.32: 539–567.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1984. Biochemistry and function of cutin and suberin. Canad. J. Bot.62: 2918.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koller, D. 1954. Germination-regulating mechanisms in desert seeds. Ph.D. thesis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (In Hebrew.)

  • —. 1956. Germination-regulating mechanisms in some desert seeds. III.Calligonum comosum L’Her. Ecology37: 430–433.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1957. Germination-regulating mechanisms in somedesert seeds. IV.Atriplexdimorphostegia Kar. et Kir. Ecology38: 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1969. The physiology of dormancy and survival of plants in desert environments. Symp. Soc. Exp. Biol.23: 449–469.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1972. Environmental control of seed germination. Pages 2–102in T. T. Kozlowski (ed.), Seed biology. Vol. 2. Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • -& M. Negbi. 1966. Germination of seeds of desert plants. Final report to the U.S.D.A.

  • — &N. Roth. 1964. Studies on the ecological and physiological significance of amphicary inGymnarrhena micrantha (Compositae) Amer. J. Bot.51: 26–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,M. Sachs &M. Negbi. 1964. Germination-regulating mechanisms in some desert seeds. VII.Artemesia monosperma. Pl. Cell Physiol.5: 85–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotler, B. P. 1984. Risk of predation and the structure of desert rodent communities. Ecology65: 689–701.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kovacs, M. I. P. &G. M. Simpson. 1976. Dormancy and enzyme levels in seeds of wild oats. Phytochemistry15: 455–458.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kristie, D. N., P. K. Bassi &M. S. Spencer. 1981. Factors affecting the indication of secondary dormancy in lettuce. Pl. Physiol.67: 1224–1229.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, A. 1965. Effects of some internal and external conditions on seed germination. Pages 894–893in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XV. Differentiation and development. Part 2. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lavie, D., E. C. Levy, A. Cohen, M. Evenari &Y. Gutterman. 1974. New germination inhibitor fromAegilops ovata L. Nature249: 388.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lerner, H. R., A. M. Mayer &M. Evenari. 1959. The nature of the germination inhibitors present in dispersal units ofZygophyllum andTrigonella arabica. Physiol. Pl. (Copenhagen)12: 245–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loria, M. &I. Noy-Meir. 1979–1980. Dynamics of some annual populations in a desert loess plain. Israel J. Bot.28. 211–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCleary, J. A. 1968. The biology of desert plants. Pages 141–194in G. W. Brown, Jr. (ed.), Desert biology. Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacMahon, J. A. &F. H. Wagner. 1985. The Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of North America. Pages 105–202in M. Evenari, I. Noy-Meir & D. W. Goodall (eds.), Hot deserts and arid shrublands. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manning, J. C. &J. van Staden. 1987. The role of the lens in seed imbibition and seedling vigour ofSesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae). Ann. Bot.59: 705–713.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marchaim, U., E. Werker &W. D. E. Thomas. 1974. Changes in the anatomy of cotton seed coats caused by lucerne saponins. Bot. Gaz.135: 139–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, A. M. &.A. Poljakoff-Mayber. 1982. The germination of seeds. Ed. 3. Pergamon, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milberg, P. 1993. Soil seed banks and germination ecology in Swedish semi-natural grasslands. Ph.D. thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morton, S. R. 1985. Granivory in arid regions: Comparison of Australia with North and South America. Ecology66: 1859–1866.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mott, J. J. &R. H. Groves. 1981. Germination strategies. Pages 307–334in J. A. Pate & A. J. McComb (eds.), Biology of Australian plants. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muller, C. H. 1953. The association of desert annuals with shrubs. Amer. J. Bot.40: 53–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muller, W. H. &C. H. Muller. 1956. Association patterns involving desert plants that contain toxic products. Amer. J. Bot.43: 354–361.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nikolaeva, M. G. 1969. Physiology of deep dormancy in seeds. Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem (Available from U.S. Dept. of Commerce).

  • Ødum, G. 1965. Germination of ancient seeds. Dansk Bot. Ark.24:(2)

  • Osborne, D. J. &I. I. Boubriak. 1994. DNA and desiccation tolerance. Seed Sci. Res.4: 175–185.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Philipupillai, J. &I. A. Ungar. 1984. The effect of seed dimorphism on the germination and survival ofSalicornia europaea L. populations. Amer. J. Bot.71: 542–549.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porsild, A. E., C. R. Harrington & G. A. Mulligan. 1967.Lupinus arcticus Wats. grown from seeds of Pleistocene age. Science158: 113–114.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pourrat, Y. &R. Jacques. 1975. The influence of photoperiodic conditions received by the mother plant on morphological and physiological characteristics ofChenopodiumpolyspermum L. seeds. Pl. Sci. Lett.4: 273–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, M. V. &O. J. Reichman. 1987. Distribution of seeds in Sonoran Desert soils: Implications for heteromyid rodent foraging. Ecology68: 1797–1811.

    Google Scholar 

  • —,N. W. Waser &T. A. Bass. 1984. Effects of moonlight on microhabitat use by desert rodents. J. Mamm.65: 353–356.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quail, P. H. &O. G. Carter. 1969. Dormancy of seeds ofAvena ludoviciana andA. fatua. Austral. J.Agr. Res.20: 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinlivan, B. J. 1961. The effect of constant and fluctuating temperatures on the permeability of the hard seeds of some legume species. Austral. J. Agric. Res.12: 1009–1022.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1965. The influence of the growing season and the following dry season on the hardseededness of subterranean clover in different environments. Austral. J. Agric. Res.16: 277–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1966. The relationship between temperature fluctuations and the softening of hard seeds of some legume species. Austral. J. Agric. Res.17: 625–631.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1968. The softening of hard seeds of sand-plain lupin (Lupinus varius L.). Austral. J. Agric. Res.19: 507–515.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramakrishnan, P. S. &P. Kapoor. 1974. Photoperiodic requirements of seasonal populations ofChenopodium album L. J. Ecol.62: 67–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reichman, O. J. 1979. Desert granivore foraging and its impact on seed densities and distributions. Ecology60: 1085–1092.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richter, R. &E. Libbert. 1967. Investigations on the germination-behaviour of some halophytic plants occurring at the coat of the Baltic Sea. Pages 459–469in H. Borris (ed.), Physiologie, Oekologie und Biochemie der Keimung 1. Graefswald, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, H. A. &J. E. Neilson 1982a. Role of temperature in the seasonal dormancy of seeds ofVeronica hederifolia L. New Phytol.90: 745–749.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1982b. Seasonal changes in the temperature requirements for germination of buried seeds ofAphanes arvensis L. New Phytol.92: 159–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rollin, P. 1972. Phytochrome control of seed germination. Pages 228–254in K. Mitrakos & W. Shropshire (eds.), Phytochrome. Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rolston, M. P. 1978. Water-impermeable seed dormancy. Bot. Rev. (Lancaster)44: 365.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roth-Bejerano, N., D. Koller &M. Negbi. 1971. Photocontrol of germination inHyoscyamus desertorum—a kinetic analysis. Israel J. Bot20: 28–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaffer, W. M. &M. D. Gadgil. 1975. Selection for optimal life histories in plants.In M. L. Cody & J. M. Diamond (eds.), Ecology and evolution of communities. Belknap Press, Cambridge, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schafter, D. E. &D. O. Chilcote. 1970. Factors influencing persistence and depletion in buried seed populations. II. The effects of soil temperature and moisture. Crop Sci.10: 342–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shachack, M., S. Brand &Y. Gutterman. 1991. Porcupine disturbances and vegetation pattern along a resource gradient in a desert. Oecologia88: 141–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shmida, A. &S. Ellner. 1984. Coexistence of plant species with similar niches. Vegetatio58: 29–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silvertown, J. W. 1981. Seed size, lifespan, and germination date as co-adapted features of plant life history. Amer. Naturalist118: 860–864.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1982. Introduction to plant population ecology. Longman, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1985. When plants play the field. Pages 143–145in P. J. Greenwood, P. H. Harvey & M. Slatkin (eds.), Evolution: Essays in honour of John Maynard Smith. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, G. M. 1965. Dormancy studies in seed ofAvena fatua. 4. The role of gibberellin in embryo dormancy. Canad. J. Bot.43: 793–816.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Small, J. G. S. &Y. Gutterman. 1991. Evidence for inhibitor involvement in thermodormancy of Grand Rapids lettuce seeds. Seed Sci. Res.1: 263–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1992a. Effect of sodium chloride on prevention of thermodormancy and effects on ethylene and protein synthesis and respiration in Grand Rapids lettuce seeds. Physiol. Pl.84: 35–40.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ——. 1992b. A comparison of thermo-and skotodormancy in seeds ofLactuca serriola in terms of induction, alleviation, respiration, ethylene and protein synthesis. Pl. Growth Regulator11: 301–310.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, P. 1965. Temperature and seed dormancy. Pages 746–803in W. Ruhland (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XV. Differentiation and development. Part 2. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylorson, R. B. 1970. Changes in dormancy and viability of weed seeds in soils. Weed Sci.18: 265–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1972. Phytochrome-controlled changes in dormancy and germination of buried weed seeds. Weed Sci.20: 417–422.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tevis, L. 1958a. Interrelations between the harvester antVeromessor pegandei (Mayr) and some desert ephemerals. Ecology39: 695–704.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1958b. Germination and growth of ephemerals induced by sprinkling a sandy desert. Ecology39: 681–688.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1958c. A population of desert ephemerals germinated by less than one inch of rain. Ecology39: 688–695.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, P. A. 1973a. Geographical adaptation of seeds. Pages 31–58in W. Heydecker (ed.), Seed ecology. Butterworth, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1973b. Seed germination in relation to ecological and geographical distribution. Pages 93–119in V. H. Heywood (ed.), Taxonomy and ecology. Special volume. Systematics Association. Academic Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurston, J. M. 1951. Biology of wild oats. Report Rothamsted Experimental Station, 67–69.

  • —. 1962. An international experiment on the effect of age and storage conditions on viability and dormancy ofAvena fatua seeds. Weed Res.2: 122–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Toole, V. K. 1973. Effects of light, temperature and their interactions on the germination of seeds. Seed Sci. Techn.1: 339–396.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ungar, I. A. 1978. Halophyte seed germination. Bot. Rev. (Lancaster)44: 233–264.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1979. Seed dimorphism inSalicornia europaea L. Bot. Gaz.140: 102–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Pijl, L. 1982. Principles of dispersal in higher plants. Ed. 3. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • VanDer Woude, W. 1989. Phytochrome and sensitization in germination control. Pages 181–189in R. B. Taylorson (ed.), Recent advances in the development and germination of seeds. Plenum, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vegis, A. 1964. Dormancy in higher plants. Ann. Rev. Pl. Physiol.15: 185–215.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Venable, D.L. &L. Lawlor. 1980. Delayed germinaton and dispersal in desert annuals: Escape in space and time. Oecologia46: 272–282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vidaver, W. &A. I. Hsiao. 1975. Secondary dormancy in light-sensitive lettuce seeds incubated anaerobically or at elevated temperature. Canad. J. Bot.53: 2557–2560.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, A., W. A. Rhoads &E. F. Frolich. 1968. Behavior ofSalaola as influenced by temperature, moisture, depth of planting and gamma irradiation. Agron. J.60: 76–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wareing, P. F. 1965. Endogenous inhibitors in seed germination and dormancy. Pages 909–924in W. Ruhland, (ed.), Encyclopedia of plant physiology. XV. Differentiation and development. Part 2. Springer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinstein, N. 1975. The effects of a desert shrub on its microenvironment and on herbaceous plants. M.Sc. thesis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (In Hebrew.)

  • Went, F. W. 1942. The dependence of certain annual plants on shrubs in a Southern Californian desert. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club69: 100–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1948. Ecology of desert plants. I. Observations on germination in the Joshua Tree National Monument, California. Ecology29: 242–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1949. Ecology of desert plants. II. The effect of rain and temperature on germination and growth. Ecology30: 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1953. The effects of rain and temperature on plant distribution in the desert. Proc. Int. Symp. on Desert Res., May 1952. Research Council of Israel Special Pub.2: 230–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Werger, M. J. A. &B. J. Coetzee. 1978. The Sudano-Zambezian region. Pages 301–462in M. J. A. Werger (ed.), Biogeography and ecology of Southern Africa. Dr. W. Junk, The Hague.

    Google Scholar 

  • Werker, E. 1980–1981. Seed dormancy as explained by the anatomy of embryo envelopes. Israel J. Bot.29: 22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westoby, M. 1981. How diversified seed germination behavior is selected. Amer. Naturalist118: 882–885.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witztum, A., Y. Gutterman &M. Evenari. 1969. Integumentary mucilage as an oxygen barrier during germination ofBlepharis persica (Burm.) Kuntze. Bot. Gaz.130: 238–241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woolley, J. T. &E. W. Stoller. 1978. Light penetration and light-induced seed germination in soil. Pl. Physiol.61: 597–600.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zangvil, A. & P. Druian. 1983. Meteorological data for Sede Boqer. The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Israel. Desert Meteorology Papers, Ser. A.8

  • Zohary, M. 1937. Die verbreitungsökologischen Verhältnisse der Pflanzen Palästinas, Die antitelechorischen Erscheinungen. Beih. Bot. Centralbl.56: 1–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1962. Plant life of Palestine. Ronald, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1966. Flora Palestina. Part 1. Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Jerusalem.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1972. Flora Palestina. Part 2. Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Jerusalem.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research and Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boker Campus, 84990, Israel

    Yitzchak Gutterman

Authors
  1. Yitzchak Gutterman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gutterman, Y. Strategies of seed dispersal and germination in plants inhabiting deserts. Bot. Rev 60, 373–425 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02857924

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02857924

Keywords

Search

Navigation