The obligate root parasite Cistanche armena is a recently rediscovered, extremely rare endangered species endemic to Armenia, specifically parasitizing camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum, Fabaceae) and saltwort (Salsola dendroides, Chenopodiaceae). Its populations are reputedly declining due to habitat destruction and biotic impacts. Since the only known means of its reproduction is via the seeds, understanding the mechanisms of breaking C. armena seed dormancy and germination along with the related aspects of the species’ biology is highly important both from fundamental (functional ecology and evolution) and applied (conservation and management) perspectives. Here, we present the first in vitro seed germination protocol for C. armena involving fluridone, a systemic herbicide targeting the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In addition, the seed micromorphology of C. armena is described using both light microscopy and lignin autofluorescence visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The actin cytoskeleton in radicle cells of germinated C. armena seedlings is described for the first time, being the proof of seed viability. Further elaboration and application of the proposed germination protocol with the cultivation of C. armena on susceptible hosts are altogether seen as a valuable tool for the conservation of this species.

专性根寄生虫肉苁蓉是最近重新发现的亚美尼亚特有的极为罕见的濒危物种，特别寄生于骆驼刺（Alhagi maurorum，豆科）和盐草（Salsola dendroides，藜科）。据称，由于栖息地破坏和生物影响，其种群数量正在下降。由于其繁殖的唯一已知方式是通过种子，因此从基础（功能生态学和进化）和应用角度了解打破C. armena种子休眠和发芽的机制以及该物种生物学的相关方面都非常重要。保护和管理）的观点。在这里，我们提出了第一个体外涉及氟啶酮的 C. armena 种子发芽方案，氟啶酮是一种针对类胡萝卜素生物合成途径的系统性除草剂。此外，利用光学显微镜和共焦激光扫描显微镜观察的木质素自发荧光描述了C. armena的种子微形态。首次描述了发芽的C. armena幼苗的根细胞中的肌动蛋白细胞骨架，作为种子活力的证明。进一步阐述和应用所提出的发芽方案以及在易感宿主上培养C. armena完全被视为保护该物种的宝贵工具。