The effect of post-maturation temperatures and duration on seed germinability of Plantago coronopus occurring in natural populations in the Negev Desert highlands, Israel

Plantago coronopus seeds: that had matured over previous years in the Negev Desert produced the highest germination percentages at 25°C, less at 30°C and not at all at 10°C, shortly after wetting. Two months after maturation the higher germination occurred at 15°C, but none at 25 and 30°C. No germination occurred shortly after maturation, but the longer the time since maturation at naturally fluctuating daily temperatures of 13/55°C, or at constant 40°C, the faster and higher the germination rate. Germination may be regulated by seed age, post-maturation temperatures during seed dry storage, and temperature and light during seed wetting.