Moisture-Temperature Interrelations in Germination and Early Seedling Development of Mesquite

Abstract

A greater percentage of mesquite seeds germinated and more vigorous seedlings were produced at a simulated soil temperature of 85 F than at 70 or 100 F. Alternating the temperature between 68 (16 hr) and 86 F (8 hr) did not increase the percentage germination as compared to constant 85 F. As temperature increased moisture stress became more critical in the germination process. After 96 hr exposure to the optimum temperature, percentage germination was not suppressed by tensions up to 8 atm, and seedling vigor was not reduced by tensions up to 4 atm. These data indicate that mesquite seed may germinate and the seedlings become established on drier sites when the soil temperature reaches 85 F.