Seed germination under osmotic stress across different wild populations of mountain rye (Secale strictum (C.Presl) C.Presl))

The selection of resilient cultivars could help stem the losses in forage production due to a changing climate. Secale strictum is a wild grass with interesting potential as a forage crop. We studied the germination requirements of six wild S. strictum populations, representative of the whole species distribution range in Italy and occurring under different osmotic conditions (0 MPa, -0.8 MPa, -1.0 MPa, -1.2 MPa, -1.4 MPa and -1.6 MPa). Our aim was to find beneficial seed and germination traits for the possible use of this species as a crop. Different accessions of domesticated Secale cereale and xTriticosecale were used as comparison. Some populations of S. strictum were drought tolerant at germination level (final germination > 25% at -1.6 MPa). A great variability was observed among wild populations in traits that currently limit the cultivation of the species as a forage crop (seed size, germinability) and that could improve its usage, especially in arid areas (water stress tolerance, fast germination). A correlation exists between the germination rates of wild populations and the seasonality of the rainfall at their natural growing sites. These results underline the importance of choosing appropriate source lineages when selecting S. strictum populations for crop development.

Automated summary

The selection of resilient cultivars can help mitigate the losses in forage production caused by climate change. Secale strictum, a wild grass species, shows potential as a forage crop. We investigated the germination requirements of six wild S. strictum populations in Italy, focusing on their tolerance to different osmotic conditions. Our findings suggest that some populations of S. strictum are drought tolerant at the germination stage, indicating their suitability for cultivation in arid areas. Moreover, the germination rates of wild populations are correlated with the seasonality of rainfall at their natural growing sites, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate source lineages for crop development.