Factors affecting the germination of albaida (Anthyllis cytisoidesL.), a forage legume of the Mediterranean coast

Albaida (Anthyllis cytisoides) is a common shrubby legume widely distributed over areas near the Mediterranean coast. This species is very palatable to livestock. Temperature, ruminal, mechanical and physical–chemical scarification, as well as water potential and pH effects on albaida seed germination were tested. The best temperature for albaida germination was 20°C; no germination occurred at 40°C or 0°C. All scarification treatments increased germination. Water potential treatments showed that this species is adapted to germinate under conditions of water stress. Within the pH range studied (6•0 to 9•2), no significant differences were found on germination. This study contributes useful information for future reafforestation programmes.