Correlation of lignin with dissemination strategy among annual desert plants

Long-term field observations on desert plant biology in the Negev Desert Highlands yielded a broad knowledge on differences in seed dissemination during the year. The timing of seed dissemination determines the success of a species by reducing competition for resources and location, which plays an important role, especially in arid and semiarid environments. We used lignin content, one of the most appropriate structural components, to measure the persistence of standing dead plants with their seeds during hot and dry seasons. According to our data, the lignin content of annual plant skeleton corresponds with the plant traits with regard to seed dispersal, dissemination spread of risk, and germination of the seeds. We suggest that lignin content of plant skeleton could be used as a good index of plant hardiness, in terms of seed dissemination in harsh environments.