Background and Aims: Grasslands are the main vegetation in drylands; however, in many cases they are degraded due to a combination of natural and an- thropogenic factors. One strategyto restore these lands is the planting of native annual or perennial forage species that are tolerant to high temperatures, high levels of sunshine, water deficit, and capable of growing in poor or saline soils. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of abiotic factors on the germination performance of three key grass species from arid zones: Leptochloa crinita, Pappophorum caespitosum and Digitaria californica. Methods: The germination percentage (G) and mean germination time (MGT) were evaluated under light and darkness conditions, in the presence and ab- sence of spikelets, and at five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C). In a germination chamber, 25 spikelets or naked caryopses were sown in sterile Petri dishes with neutral germination paper, irrigated with distilled water, and arranged randomly. The germination count (visible radicle) was carried out every 24 hours for 5 days. Key results: Light had a positive effect on the germination of L. crinita and P. caespitosum. The germination of D. californica decreased considerably at 15 and 35 degrees C. The spikelet was the factor with the greatest negative effect on the germination of all three species. The triple interaction of the factors indicated that the three species have a better germination performance in light, with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C and in the absence of spikelets. Conclusions: The three species could be used in soil restoration programs in degraded arid zones, mainly due to their plasticity to germinate at different tem- peratures and with light incidence. Naked caryopses increase germination percentage and improve MGT.