Influence of Abiotic Stress Factors on the Germination of Silver Fir Seeds from Different Romanian Provenances

Abstract

Abies alba Mill., one of the most important conifer species in European mountain forests, faces significant challenges due to changing climatic conditions and environmental stressors. The research aims to understand the effects of different abiotic stress factors on A. alba seed germination, including salt and water stress, as well as cold stress. Four treatments were studied: control (seeds soaked in water at 18 °C for 24 hours), thermal stress (-40 °C for 7 days), salt stress (400 mM NaCl solution for 24 hours), and water stress (limited watering). The findings of this study provide insights into the adaptability of silver fir with different origin (7 populations) to various abiotic stress factors, to further understand the species response to climate change. Preliminary results show variability in germination among treatments and populations, indicating different sensitivities of silver fir seeds to cold, salt, and water stress. For all the germination stress factors, the seed germination varied among the tested provenances, the process being evidently and negatively affected by the stress factors, especially by salinity and low temperatures. The study highlights the importance of choosing suitable seed sources for reforestation and conservation of A. alba species.