Seed germination demonstrates inter-annual variations in alkaline tolerance: a case study in perennial Leymus chinensis

The escalating issue of soil saline-alkalization poses a growing global challenge. Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass species commonly used in the establishment and renewal of artificial grasslands that is relatively tolerant of saline, alkaline, and drought conditions. Nonetheless, reduced seed setting rates limit its propagation, especially on alkali-degraded grassland. Inter-annual variations have an important effect on seed yield and germination under abiotic stress, and we therefore examined the effect of planting year on seed yield components of L. chinensis.