Seed polymorphism and germination behavior of Salicornia europaea inhabiting in the area of Ayding Lake, Xinjiang, China

Salicornia europaea belongs to Chenopodiaceae. The present research studied the seed morphology, distribution, germination characteristics and other aspects of S. europaea in the Turpan Aydin Lake. The results showed that there are three types of glasswort seeds (type A, type B and type C). Type A seeds were mainly distributed in the central position of flowers spikes with the diameter of (2.496±0.264) mm and were easily to break away from the parent plants and spread to the far distance by wind. Type A seeds could germinate in a relatively wide temperature range with higher germination percentage (>80%). Type B seeds were mainly distributed in upper and middle spikes of flowers on a side with the diameter of (1.709±0.181) mm, and were easily to detach from the parent plants and spread near the parent plants or to the far distance by wind. Type B seeds germinated under variable temperature conditions with slightly lower percentages and germination rates than type A seeds. Type C seeds were mainly distributed in the lower part of the flower spikes beside a random cloth with the diameter of (1.115±0.085) mm and were not easily to fall off from the parent plants and only scattered the bottom or near parent plants which can form the seed bank in the soil. Type C seeds had lower germination percentage (<10%) and higher dormancy rate.