The biology of Mediterranean saltwort, Salsola vermiculata

Mediterranean saltwort, a member of the family Chenopodiaceae, is a dominant perennial species in the Mediterranean arid zone. Propagation is by seed only, and those collected from an infestation in California were used for various germination studies. Seed with the persistent calyx removed germinated 2 to 4 days earlier than those with the calyx present. The germination percentage was also greater (82 vs 62% at Day 13) than seed with the calyx. Those seed stored at room temperature germinated less than seed stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Brown (mature) seed germinated earlier and more than green seed. Greenhouse-grown plants cut or burned off at the ground level failed to regrow. Plants cut at 1 cm or more above ground level regrew from side shoots. Mediterranean saltwort could become a serious noxious weed in areas of the United States that have a Mediterranean climate.