Morphological and germination characteristics of some species seeds spread in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan

The Karakum Desert is one of the largest deserts in Central Asia, covering a significant portion of Turkmenistan and the surrounding region. The flora of this desert includes species that have adapted to hot, dry, and arid conditions. The Karakum Desert is notably a very hot desert, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius in summer and dropping to -20 degrees Celsius in winter. Consequently, there are considerable temperature variations seasonally. The summer season is characterized by extreme heat and dryness, while winter sees minimal precipitation. Snowfall is rare in winter, and any snow quickly melts due to the climate. Dominant winds in the Karakum Desert are the Afghan winds. The vegetation in this desert consists of short grasses and shrubs that have adapted to the challenging conditions. Despite the scarcity of rainfall and high summer temperatures, plants have successfully adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert. Steppe plants are generally found in the Karakum Desert. On the desert hills, you can find plants like Selin (Prunus serrulata) and Gandım (Calligonum triste), while the lower parts of the desert are home to plants like Borjak (Sambucus nigra). Additionally, the desert is populated by species that have adapted to desert climates, such as Yandak (Alhagi maurorum), Patlak (Solanum nigrum), and Çerkez (Salsola richteri). In Turkmenistan's mountainous areas and riverbeds, naturally occurring shrubs and tree species can be observed due to higher precipitation levels, resulting in greater plant diversity. These plants hold significant nutritional value for animals, and rural communities in Turkmenistan utilize them as winter fodder for livestock. This study focuses on the general characteristics and seed properties of plants carrying the tree and shrub form adapted to the conditions of the Karakum Desert, namely Gandım (Calligonum triste), Yandak (Alhagi maurorum) and Çerkez (Salsola richteri). Morphological features crucial for environmental stress resistance mechanisms, leaf morphology, and growth habits have been identified. The research provides essential insights into how these plants thrive in desert climates and the strategies they employ to adapt to environmental conditions. Furthermore, germination tests conducted in a laboratory setting offer a detailed examination of how these plants germinate and behave during this process under desert conditions. Through the analysis of seed germination rate, germination percentage, and germination processes, this study provides significant information on how these plants succeed in desert ecosystems.