The effect of post-maturation temperatures and duration on seed germinability ofPlantago coronopusoccurring in natural populations in the Negev Desert highlands, Israel

Plantago coronopusseeds that had matured over previous years in the Negev Desert produced the highest germination percentages at 25°C, less at 30°C and not at all at 10°C, shortly after wetting. Two months after maturation the highest germination occurred at 15°C, but none at 25 and 30°C. No germination occurred shortly after maturation, but the longer the time since maturation at naturally fluctuating daily temperatures of 13/55°C, or at constant 40°C, the faster and higher the germination rate. Germination may be regulated by seed age, post-maturation temperatures during seed dry storage, and temperature and light during seed wetting.