Protocol to determine seed dormancy, imbibition, viability, longevity and germination responses to temperature v1

Abstract

We study the seed traits and germination strategies of arid plant species to investigate their regeneration strategies and classify seed dormancy. Seeds of eight keystone species were germinated under three dirunal temperatures (30/20C, 25/15C and 17/7C) for 30 days. We also tested for decline in seed viability across 24 months in dry aging, and relieved physiological dormancy in Atriplex through an after-ripening treatment.