Effect of storage time and salinity on germination and development of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntz, an invasive species in agropastoral ecosystems of Senegal

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effects of seed storage duration and salt stress on the germination and development of Mesosphaerum suaveolens, an invasive exotic species threatening the agropastoral ecosystems of southern and southeastern Senegal. Understanding these effects is crucial for designing management and control strategies for this invasive species. For the storage effect, seeds aged 1, 2, and 3 years were used, while for salinity, seeds were germinated in Petri dishes containing increasing NaCl concentrations ranging from 0 g/L to 30 g/L. To assess the effect on growth, seedlings were transplanted into pots, and salt stress was applied 15 days after germination. Results showed that three-year-old seeds had the highest germination rate (90%) with a rapid emergence, while one-year-old seeds displayed poor performance. Increasing NaCl concentrations significantly reduced germination, plant height, leaf production, and biomass, with no survival at ≥30 g·L⁻¹. Overall, M. suaveolens exhibits limited salt tolerance, restricted to low salinity levels, and seed conservation strongly influences its germination potential.

Keywords : Seed storage duration, Salt stress, Germination, Growth