Gibberellin enhances germination of Nolana mollis and Heliotropium pycnophyllum seeds

Desert plants often exhibit seed dormancy, which enables seeds to wait out unfavorable conditions and germinate when there is enough water for the seedling to establish securely. Here, we tested several dormancy-breaking mechanisms for Nolana mollis and Heliotropium pycnophyllum, including storage temperature, scarification, hormones, germination temperature, and light cycles during germination. For both species, gibberellin enhanced germination significantly. All other treatments, or combinations of treatments, had no significant effect. Our results can be applied to restoration efforts in arid areas, or in urban areas in arid climates, where the use of native species reduces watering necessities.