Abstract: Effects of water, temperature, light, buried depth in sand, salt stress and their combinations on the seed germination of desert plants under stress were reviewed. The rainfall frequency, rainfall size and distribution, as well as soil moisture are the important ecological factors that governing the seed germination of desert plants. Temperature is one of the key ecological factors influencing the seed germination of desert plants, changing temperature is conducive to seed germination of desert plants. Illumination is not the necessary conditions for the seed germination of majority of desert plants. A small portion of desert plants need light for seed germination, and some germinate in the dark, while some show no specific requirements of light. Light shows inhibition effect to some extent on the seed germination of some desert plants. Sand buries regulates the seed germination of desert plants through soil moisture, soil temperature and illumination. Salinity stress restrains the seed germination. Seed germination of desert plants under the above coordinating factors shows some adaptability. Along further studies and the need of environmental protection or reconstruction, it is necessary to enhance the eco-physiological research in desert psammophytes, in depth and systematicity.

Key words: desert plant, seed germination, influencing factor, research advances