Comparative study of seed germination, phenology, and reproductive fitness in Melilotus sulcatus populations from Israel

Overall, our findings underscore the adaptive strategies employed by M. sulcatus populations in response to their environment. Vigorous plant growth, a higher number of seeds per pod, and larger seed area and average weight were observed in individuals from the Grofit population compared to the Yifat population. The greater fitness of Grofit population, originated from hyper-arid conditions, highlights the significant impact of environmental factors on species adaptation.