Germination response of five eastern Mediterranean woody species to smoke solutions derived from various plants

Abstract

The role of smoke as a fire-related germination cue is well known in many parts of the world, including Mediterranean-type ecosystems; however, it has been neglected in the Mediterranean Basin (MB). We studied the germination response of 5 woody species found in the eastern MB (south-western Turkey) to smoke solutions derived from diff erent plant species. Of the 5 species examined, 2 [Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach and Satureja thymbra L.] showed significant increments in germination percentage aft er smoke treatments compared to the control, while the remaining 3 [Calicotome villosa (Poir.) Link, Cistus salviifolius L., and Lavandula stoechas L.] did not. However, none of the species showed any change in the germination rate. In addition, smoke solutions derived from various plants did not aff ect the germination response (germination percentage and rate) in all species. The results confirm that the effect of smoke originating from diff erent plant species on germination response is globally similar regardless of the region. Our study helps to fi ll the gap in the literature on smoke-induced germination in the eastern MB and supports the idea that smoke is important to postfire germination in the MB.