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Effect of seed storage time on germination and survival of ferocactus townsendianus Britt & Rose
Abstract
The 'biznaga' (Ferocactus townsendianus) are an important vegetative component in Baja California Sur, Mexico, which has been seriously affected by human activities. Therefore, reductions of this specie in natural population have been presented. Viability and seed germination is needed to ensure the prevalence of this species. Cacti seeds present in the laboratory a reduction of their viability that differs between species. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed storage time on the germination and survival of F. townsendianus. Seeds were collected and used during the years 2003, 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2013 and placed in Petri dishes, each containing 20 seeds at the rate of fve dishes per year. Germination (%), germination rate index, germination time and survival (%) were assessed. A lower germination (P<0.03) was found in 2013. No significant differences were found between years on the average germination rate (P>0.35), average time of germination (P<0.97) and the percentage of seedling survival (P>0.07). The results suggest feasibility and convenience of F. townsendianus seed storage, which could increase their germination levels upon subjecting them to adequate temperature and light treatments.
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We evaluated the influence of the reproductive ecology on low recruitment of sexually derived progeny observed in Opuntia rastrera Weber in the Southern Chihuahuan Desert, in two vegetation types. The flowers are diurnal, remaining open 9–10 hr. Pollen is released in the morning and at the same time the stigmas become receptive. Nectar is produced all day, but the production rate is higher at noon. The flowers are visited by insects, mainly solitary bees (Diadasia sp. and Lithurge sp.). Floral characteristics and the pollen/ovule ratio suggest that Opuntia rastrera is a facultative xenogamous species. Controlled pollinations indicate that it is not apomictic and pollinators are required to set fruit; it is also self-compatible, but there is strong inbreeding depression for fruit set. However, we were unable to demonstrate differences in reproductive characters between the populations in both vegetation types. The average density of adults per hectare was one order of magnitude higher in the nopalera (Opuntia-dominated scrublands) than in the grassland. However, the average density of plants that originated from seeds was one order of magnitude lower in the nopalera. Opuntia rastrera produces abundant flowers, fruits, and seeds in both vegetation types in natural conditions. The low success in the recruitment of new genets cannot be ascribed to the reproductive ecology.
The effect of light and temperature on the germination of Mammillaria mazatlanensis, Stenocereus alamosensis and S. thurberi subsp. thurberi, three cacti species inhabiting the northwestern coast of Mexico, was assesed. The germination response after 21 days in incubation and the mean germination time (t50) were subjected to a Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and were compared with the Wilcoxon test at 5%. The three species germinated better under constant light with controlled shading (90%) than in darkness (<5%), indicating that seeds are positive photoblastic. The heat treatments (t1: control at constant temperature of 30°C, t2: fluctuating temperaturse of 30-38°C, and t3: 60°C for 11.25 days presowing) did not have any effect on the germination of S. alamosensis and S. thurberi subsp. thurberi, but increased the germination of M. mazatlanensis in ∼10% compared with the control. The surface rocks provide appropriate conditions of light and temperature (30-38°C) during the summer, and attenuate the water stress in the coastal desert of Sinaloa, favoring in these microsites the seed germination of the three cacti studied.
Methods for germination analysis were reviewed in this work. These methods were divided in graphical and analytical (Indices and curve fitting to logistic and normal distribution functions). Each one was illustrated with the Manfreda brachystachya germination data in a temperature gradient. Germination parameters were underlined: capacity and rate germination, mean time, and variance in mean time germination. These parameters must be measured accurately. The advantages and disadvantages of the different methods are discussed. Indices which try to relate germination capacity with time are not recommended to obtain relative values of germination rate, because they confound the effects that can have the different parameters. The use of logistic and normal functions are recommended, because they are models that analyze germination behavior in time and provide the values of the main germination parameters.
Mammillaria hamata and Mammillaria sphacelata are two species of globular cacti that
are distributed in Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico. The extraction of plants and cattle rising has
diminished their populations. Knowledge about their reproduction is thus necessary the obtaining
for their conservation. Germination percentage and speed were compared when applying the
following scarification treatments: 1) sulphuric acid for 1,5 and 2 min, 2) water at 50ºC for 2 and
4 min, 3) Tween at 5% for 3 min, 4) giberelic acid 0,240gr/100 ml and 5) temperature at 4°C
for one week. No differences were seen in the germination of each of the two species when applying
the treatments. Germination between the species however was different. The highest germination
speed was obtained when applying the sulphuric acid treatment to M. hamata and water to M.
sphacelata.
Se evaluó el efecto de la adición de tres regu-ladores de crecimiento vegetal (RCV) sobre la respuesta germinativa y crecimiento de plántulas en las especiesFerocactus histrixyF. latispinus(Cactaceae). Grupos de semillas se germinaron con la adición de diferentes concentraciones (125, 250, 500 ppm) de áci-do indolacético (AIA), ácido naftalenacético (ANA) y ácido giberélico (AG3), mientras que otras semillas (control) se sembraron con agua destilada solamente. Cada tercer día y durante 30 días se llevó a cabo el registro de porcentaje de germinación (%G), el índice de velocidad de germinación (IVG) y de coeficientes de regresión; los caracteres morfológicos durante el crecimiento inicial de las plántulas provenientes de dichos experimentos también fueron registrados. Los resultados demostraron diferencias estadísticas significativas (Tukey, P < 0.05) al comparar %G y caracteres morfológicos cuantitativos de plántulas de los tratamientos con RCV y el control; así como un efecto negativo de RCV sobre la germinación y crecimiento de plántulas. Los porcentajes más altos de germinación (55-75%) en ambas especies deFerocactus, se registraron en el tratamiento control. El AIA a una concentración de 125 ppm promovió 51% de germinación enF. latispinusal noveno día del experimento, un 62% de germinación se registró paraF. histrixen el sexto día con 250 ppm de ANA; mientras que el porcentaje de germinación más bajo (< 40%) se observó en ambas especies con 125 y 250 ppm de AG3. Se concluye que la adición de RCV no incrementa de manera signifi cativa la germinación de semillas y tampoco favorece el crecimiento de plántulas, dado que las plántulas más vigorosas se obtuvieron con el control.
Seed size is one of the most important traits in the regenerative phase of a plant's life cycle; however, for cactus species the relationship of seed size and germination characteristics and seedling traits is still unclear. We studied the relationship between seed mass and germination and seedling characteristics in 17 cactus species from central Argentina, belonging to different genera and life forms. We measured seed mass, total seed germination, light requirements for germination and mean time to germination for these 17 cacti species; in addition, we recorded seedling size and shape in 15 species. To test light requirements we performed germination experiments under laboratory conditions at 25/15 degrees C (day/night temperatures) and under light or dark conditions. We also calculated seedling volume by measuring seedling height and width. A shape index was obtained by dividing height by width (a value of 1 indicates 'globose' seedlings, whereas, as this value increases, seedlings become 'columnar'). We found no significant relationship between seed mass and any of the germination characteristics considered. However, species with heavier seeds produced bigger seedlings, which were more cylindrical. Adult growth was not totally determined by seedling 'growth form', because some species that had globose seedlings were columnar at the adult stage.
El efecto de la hidratación temporal sobre la germinación de tres cactáceas que habitan en la isla Mazocahui I, norte de Sinaloa, se estimó mediante la aplicación de 0, 10 y 20 ciclos de hidratación/deshidratación en condiciones de laboratorio. Más del 87% de las semillas de Mammillaria mazatlanensis, Stenocereus alamosensis y S. thurberi var. thurberi germinaron en los tratamientos considerados, sin mostrar diferencias significativas entre ellos. La hidratación temporal pareciera activar los procesos metabólicos de las semillas de las tres especies y reducir el tiempo medio de germinación en las especies de Stenocereus, las cuales tienen el mismo comportamiento, esto es, alcanzan el 50% de su germinación total al tercer día, mientras que el control se demoró en 12-36 h. Por el contrario, M.mazatlanensis tuvo una demora de 22-31 h respecto al control.
Palabras clave: Cactáceas, ciclos de hidratación/deshidratación, desierto costero de Topolobampo, germinación, humedad, tiempo medio de germinación.
RESUMEN RESUMEN RESUMEN RESUMEN La condición de nodrizaje es una estrategia de plantas de zonas áridas, radica en que los propágulos se establecen bajo plantas o rocas (consideradas nodrizas), obteniendo los beneficios de disminución de la temperatura, aumento de la cantidad de nutrientes, protección contra depredadores, daños mecánicos, radiación solar, heladas, etc. Se fijaron tres
The morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds, and the germination responses of freshly matured seeds of five species of Cacteae (Coryphantha bumamma, C. clavata, C. cornifera, Ferocactus histrix and Mammillaria uncinata) were studied at room temperature under laboratory conditions. The aim of the study was to record the macro- and micro-morphology of fruits and seeds of these species and to investigate specific requirements for germination. Variance analysis detected significant differences (p80%) are observed on the sixth day in F. histrix and M. uncinata. It is concluded that some morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds can be used to support further systematic studies of Cactoideae genera and will contribute new knowledge for their potential use and conservation
La germinación de 4 especies del género Mammillaria (Cactaceae) del Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, México, se comparó en 4 tratamientos: luz roja, roja lejana, blanca y oscuridad a 25°C y en luz blanca y oscuridad a 2 temperaturas alternantes (15/30°C y 20/35°C). Las semillas resultaron ser fotoblásticas positivas, aunque germinaron en rojo lejano. Para todas las especies la mejor germinación se obtuvo a 25°C con luz blanca y luz roja, y no hubo diferencias significativas entre tratamientos. Se obtuvieron porcentajes más altos de germinación a 25°C que a temperaturas alternantes. Las semillas no presentaron ningún mecanismo de latencia morfofisiológica.
In the Mexican highlands there are several aridity gradients affecting Opuntia species composition and its biological function. Since environmental variations can affect plant traits like seed morphology as well as related processes, we conducted experiments in order to determine whether seed mass, testa hardness, seed imbibition, dormancy type, polyembryony occurrence, and different habitats are related with interspecific variation of seed germination in Opuntia spp. Our results showed that there were interspecific differences of seed attributes among seven Opuntia species along an environmental gradient in Central Mexico. Seeds of most species were able to imbibe water; however, mechanical scarification treatment did not break seed dormancy, but promoted faster germination. This pattern might be a result of the testa porosity. Seed hardness was negatively correlated with seed germination in Opuntia jaliscana; thus harder seeds had lower germination percentage. In contrast, seeds of O. robusta increased their germination percentage as seed hardness increased. We found differences in seed mass among species and localities; seeds collected in moist areas were heavier. There was evidenced a correlation of seed mass with seed germination for O. jaliscana. Polyembryony was present in four of the seven species studied and it appears to be more frequent in seeds from dry sites of the gradient.
The present review tries to give a general overview of the available information on cactus seed germination. First, information about the family Cactaceae is discussed, concerning aspects such as distribution and general characteristics. Seed distinctive features are mentioned, such as colour, form, and size. Aspects of seed physiology, such as germination and dormancy, as well as seed dynamics including dispersal, predation, and soil seed bank formation, are included in the discussion. Techniques of propagation and some aspects of longevity and conservation are mentioned. The areas where there is scarce information available are highlighted, and, therefore, are important areas in which to continue research in order to generate data for immediate and future conservation efforts.
Responses of seed germination to temperature, water potential, time after harvest, and light were investigated for Stenocereus queretaroensis, a columnar cactus native to west central Mexico. Germination was optimal between 20°C and 30°C, and the germination percentage decreased as the water potential was lowered from 0·00 to −1·0 MPa. Maximal germination of 85% occurred for seeds that were 11 – 28 months old. Germination required light but became light saturated at a photosynthetic photon flux over 10 days of only 0·15 μmol m−2 s−1 (equivalent to a fluence of 67 mmol m−2). Germination was apparently phytochrome mediated, as evidenced by its relative spectral sensitivity (greatest at 660 nm). The environmental requirements for breaking seed dormancy for S. queretaroensis are finely tuned to those typical of the rainy season in its native habitat.
México es el más importante centro de concentración de cactáceas, con un alto índice de endemismo a nivel genérico (73 %) y específico (78 %). La mayor parte de las especies habitan en las regiones áridas y semi-áridas del país, particularmente en la porción sureste del Desierto Chihuahuense, incluyendo la Zona Arida Queretano-Hidalguense. Muchas de ellas están sujetas a presiones de colecta y a la destrucción de su hábitat, además, por lo general tienen una habilidad limitada para restablecerse demográficamente después de un evento de perturbación. En consecuencia,
un número significativo de cactáceas mexicanas se ha incluido en listados de plantas amenazadas. Con base en listados publicados recientemente y utilizando un concepto de especie amenazada más bien general, se presenta una relación actualizada de cactáceas mexicanas que ameritan ubicarse en tal categoría. La enumeración incluye 197 especies, más categorías infraespecíficas, las cuales
representan 35 % de las conocidas de este país. Se proporciona información acerca de su distribución, así como del número de poblaciones conocidas y documentadas de cada una de ellas. La mayor parte de los taxa incluidos en la lista resultaron ser endémicos restringidos con un área geográfica limitada. Tomando como principio la premisa de que las plantas con distribución reducida están potencial
o realmente más expuestas a la extinción que las que tienen repartición amplia, se concluye que las
especies de cactáceas amenazadas son un grupo cuya conservación requiere de atención inmediata y de esfuerzos especiales.
Responses of seed germination to different chemical treatments were investigated for species belonging to Rebutia, Aylostera, Mediolobivia and Sulcorebutia genera (Cactaceae). Germination was optimal when the seeds immersed for 8 hours in aqueous solution, which contained sodium nitrofenolate (1.8%), and the germination percentage decreased when just tap water has been used. Maximal germination obtained for seeds that immersed for 8 hours in an aqueous solution, which contained 9% naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The germination was completely blocked when the seeds were treated with salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid. Whatever treatment option has applied, the species A. kieslingii recorded the lowest percentage of germination energy and germination capacity. The species M. orurensis recorded the highest percentage of germination energy, and R. var. spiniflorum kupperiana the highest percentage of germination capacity. In addition, high values of germination capacity were present in A. buniningiana, A. narvacensis, A. pseudodeminuta, R. var. luteispina violaciflora. As the process to obtain new plants in cacti is a difficult one, a database designed to improve cacti seed germination using different chemical treatments can be extremely useful for seed production industry.
Seed size variation plays an important role in germination and seedling establishment. Stenocereus benekei seed germination of five mass classes in four sowing dates was studied with the aim to gain insight in species strategies within the first phases of its life cycle. S. benekei has the largest (3.2 ×0.4mm length, 2.6 ×0.3mm breadth) and heaviest (11.8 ×2.7mg) seeds of the Stenocereus genus. Number of seeds per fruit varied from 25 to 200, showing a positive correlation between fruit size and number of seeds. Seed germination percentage was higher than 75% in four categories under laboratory conditions. The lower germination percentage (11%) was found in the smallest seeds and the highest in medium size seeds (84%). Germination curves showed statistical differences among the five seed mass categories and dates, as well as among seeds of the same mass category germinated in different dates. Germination curves revealed that in the medium and large seeds (3-5) germinability was higher shortly after harvesting, but an inverse behaviour was observed in the smaller seeds (categories 1-2). The results suggest that seeds of S. beneckei respond differentially depending upon their physiological maturity and the date after sowing.
Larger seeds have been shown to convey benefits for seedling survival but the mechanisms of this process are not well understood. In this study, seed size and seedling survival were compared for 2 sympatric cactus species, Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose and Ferocactus Wislizeni (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose, in laboratory and field experiments in the northern Sonoran Desert. Both species have small seeds, but Ferocactus seeds are nearly twice as long and 3 times as heavy as those of Garnegiea. The difference in size is perpetuated after germination: new Ferocactus seedlings have 4 times the estimated volume of new Carnegiea seedlings. In an outdoor experiment, annual survivorship of both species was low but was 6 times higher for Ferocactus (6 seedlings, 8.1%) than Carnegiea (1 seedling, 1.4%). The pattern of seedling mortality in relation to temperature and rain suggests that, after the initial flush of seed and seedling predation, drought and heat took a greater toll on Carnegiea than Ferocactus seedlings, probably because the larger seedling volume of Ferocactus conferred greater drought tolerance. In addition, F wislizeni could become established without benefit of nurse plants whereas C gigantea, could not; this might reflect differential tolerance to high soil temperatures.
La variación en el tamaño de la semilla juega un papel importante en los procesos de germinación y establecimiento de plántulas. La germinación en cuatro fechas de siembra de cinco categorías de peso de semilla de Stenocereus beneckei se evaluó con la finalidad de inferir las estrategias de supervivencia en las primeras fases de su ciclo de vida. S. benekei presenta las semillas más grandes (largo 3,2 ±0,4mm, ancho 2,6 ±0,3mm) y pesadas (11,8 ±2,7mg) del género Stenocereus. El número de semillas/fruto fluctuó entre 25 y 200, detectándose una correlación positiva entre tamaño del fruto y número de semillas. Los porcentajes de germinación fueron superiores al 75% para cuatro categorías de peso de semilla bajo condiciones de laboratorio; el menor porcentaje de germinación (11%) fue para las semillas más pequeñas y el mayor para las de tamaño intermedio (84%). Las curvas de germinación mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para las cinco categorías de peso por fecha y para las semillas del mismo peso pero germinadas en diferente fecha. En las categorías de mayor tamaño (3-5), la germinación fue superior en semillas recién colectadas; pero inversa en las semillas más pequeñas (categorías 1-2). Este resultado indica que las semillas de S. benekei por categoría de peso responden diferencialmente dependiendo de su madurez fisiológica y de la fecha de siembra.
We evaluated the influence of the reproductive ecology on low recruitment of sexually derived progeny observed in Opuntia rastrera Weber in the Southern Chihuahuan Desert, in two vegetation types. The flowers are diurnal, remaining open 9-10 hr. Pollen is released in the morning and at the same time the stigmas become receptive. Nectar is produced all day, but the production rate is higher at noon. The flowers are visited by insects, mainly solitary bees (Diadasia sp. and Lithurge sp.). Floral characteristics and the pollen/ovule ratio suggest that Opuntia rastrera is a facultative xenogamous species. Controlled pollinations indicate that it is not apomictic and pollinators are required to set fruit; it is also self-compatible, but there is strong inbreeding depression for fruit set. However, we were unable to demonstrate differences in reproductive characters between the populations in both vegetation types. The average density of adults per hectare was one order of magnitude higher in the nopalera (Opuntia-dominated scrublands) than in the grassland. However, the average density of plants that originated from seeds was one order of magnitude lower in the nopalera. Opuntia rastrera produces abundant flowers, fruits, and seeds in both vegetation types in natural conditions. The low success in the recruitment of new genets cannot be ascribed to the reproductive ecology.
Germination rate and percentage, and seed weight were compared among wild and cultivated populations of the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus to analyse the effect of domestication on their seed behaviour and dormancy mechanisms. Experiments on germination capacity were tested on constant (25°C) and fluctuating temperature (20/35°C; 18/6 h) under white light and darkness, and adding five different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) in darkness at 25 °C. Cultivated individuals had significantly heavier seeds (1·12±0·04 mg) than wild individuals (0·80±0·02 mg). Germination percentage in all populations was generally higher at constant temperature but cultivated plants had significantly higher seed germination than the wild ones in both temperature treatments. All seeds increased their germination percentage with storage age in both constant and fluctuating temperature. All seeds were positive photoblastic, and addition of GA3did not promote germination in darkness. The results suggest that human selection has favoured seedling vigour and a greater germination capacity in cultivated variants.
We evaluated the effect of solar exposure and predation on seedlings of six species of three life-forms. Columnar succulents and arborescent semi-succulents emerged faster under shrubs (24 and 55 days) than in open places (44 and 60 days). Succulents had a longer survival time (138 days) without predators and under shrubs. Predator exclusion led to a longer survival in semi-succulents under shrubs (237 days) and in open places (198 days). Predation did not affect the survival time of shrubs. Our results extend to the seedling stage, the hypothesis that in desert environments, each life-form adopts different strategies for survival and growth.
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