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<p>In the Kumaun Himalaya, invasive species such as <i>Ageratina adenophora</i> and <i>Bidens pilosa</i> are rapidly spreading and frequently co-occur with non-invasive species like <i>Bidens biternata</i> and <i>Galinsoga ciliata</i>. Understanding germination responses of these species to environmental stress is essential for predicting their invasion potential under changing climatic conditions. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of temperature and water stress on seed germination of invasive (<i>A. adenophora</i> and <i>B. pilosa</i>) and non-invasive (<i>B. biternata</i> and <i>G. ciliata</i>) asters and identified traits contributing to the success of invasive plants. Seeds of selected species were germinated under controlled laboratory conditions at four constant temperatures (10 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C, and 35&#xa0;°C) with an 8&#xa0;h light/16&#xa0;h dark photoperiod. Water stress was induced using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Germination percentage (GP) and germination rate (GR) were recorded daily until germination ceased, and the recorded data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The results showed that temperature and water stress significantly influenced germination in all the four tested species (<i>p</i> = 0.000). <i>Ageratina adenophora</i> showed maximum germination at 30&#xa0;°C (78%) but was highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and water stress. <i>Bidens pilosa</i> maintained relatively high germination across stress gradients, while non-invasive species showed intermediate responses, with <i>G. ciliata</i> being the most sensitive. Niche breadth analyses indicated that <i>A. adenophora</i> shared germination traits with non-invasive species but exhibited growth strategies similar to <i>B. pilosa</i>. While germination traits aid establishment, growth plasticity likely drives invasion success. Therefore, management should focus on moist, disturbed habitats to limit further spread of these invasives in the Kumaun Himalaya.</p>

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Seed germination responses to temperature and water stress: Insights into abiotic stress tolerance and invasion success in herbaceous species

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月27日

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  • Kavita Khatri,
  • Kiran Bargali,
  • Surendra Singh Bargali

摘要

In the Kumaun Himalaya, invasive species such as Ageratina adenophora and Bidens pilosa are rapidly spreading and frequently co-occur with non-invasive species like Bidens biternata and Galinsoga ciliata. Understanding germination responses of these species to environmental stress is essential for predicting their invasion potential under changing climatic conditions. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of temperature and water stress on seed germination of invasive (A. adenophora and B. pilosa) and non-invasive (B. biternata and G. ciliata) asters and identified traits contributing to the success of invasive plants. Seeds of selected species were germinated under controlled laboratory conditions at four constant temperatures (10 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) with an 8 h light/16 h dark photoperiod. Water stress was induced using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Germination percentage (GP) and germination rate (GR) were recorded daily until germination ceased, and the recorded data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The results showed that temperature and water stress significantly influenced germination in all the four tested species (p = 0.000). Ageratina adenophora showed maximum germination at 30 °C (78%) but was highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and water stress. Bidens pilosa maintained relatively high germination across stress gradients, while non-invasive species showed intermediate responses, with G. ciliata being the most sensitive. Niche breadth analyses indicated that A. adenophora shared germination traits with non-invasive species but exhibited growth strategies similar to B. pilosa. While germination traits aid establishment, growth plasticity likely drives invasion success. Therefore, management should focus on moist, disturbed habitats to limit further spread of these invasives in the Kumaun Himalaya.