Effect of Salinity and Drought on the Germination of Lygeum spartum L. in the Region of Saïda (Western Algerian Steppe)

Abstract Albardine (Lygeum spartum L.) is one of the major native grass species of the semi-arid and arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. In Algeria, it is much more widespread on the high plateaus of southern Oranais. This species occupies an important place in the steppe region because it has many ecological, economic, and fodder interests. The present work aims to study the tolerance of L. spartum seeds to water and salt stress, two abiotic factors that affect the physiology of the plant during the germinal stage. The methodology adopted consists of using increasing concentrations under a controlled temperature (15°C) for 21 days of germination. The germination responses of the seeds to different degrees of salt stress induced by NaCl (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g/l) and water stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG;−2, -4, -6, -8, −10 bar), showed that the salt and water stresses retarded the germination rate of L. spartum L. seeds and also decreased their percentage during the time of the experiment. However, seeds soaked in distilled water (control) recorded a maximum germination rate of 80%. The results of this study show that L. spartum seeds are moderately salt and drought tolerant with a depressive effect on germination rate at a salt concentration of 10g/l and an osmotic pressure of −10 bar.