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Seeds, ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and germination
... Mechanical scarification can be performed by rubbing the seed between pieces of sandpaper, abrasive, or sand, or by shaking the seed vigorously [87]. This is done to create a small hole in the seed (or fruit) forming an opening (or water gap) which will allow water to move and reach the embryo for embryo growth [126][127][128]. Mechanical scarifying of seeds is the most effective technique for dormancy-breaking although, it is time-consuming mostly if a large quantity of seeds requires scarification. ...
... The kind of heating device used, heating temperature and time, determines the effectiveness of each heat treatment. Wet heat involves the immersion of seeds that are water-impermeable in hot water so that they become permeable [126]. According to Baskin and Baskin [126], ...
... Wet heat involves the immersion of seeds that are water-impermeable in hot water so that they become permeable [126]. According to Baskin and Baskin [126], ...
Seed dormancy has played a significant role in the adaptation and evolution of seed plants, by ensuring germination under favorable conditions, avoiding extreme weather periods, and other unfavorable conditions. While its biological significance is clear, dormancy acts as a delaying mechanism, making it difficult to simultaneously plant and properly maintain the population of the most important indigenous high-quality plants, consequently inhibiting mass cultivation and adoption. Several genetic and environmental factors influence dormancy, and different crops and or crop varieties including those of medicinal and indigenous vegetables exhibit varying degrees of dormancy. Breaking of dormancy will make a significant contribution towards ensuring consistent germination and cultivation of these crops. It is also important to observe and understand the types of dormancy exhibited by these as this can provide a guide for effective methods of breaking it. This book chapter will comprehensively discuss the types and challenges of seed dormancy associated with wild medicinal plants and indigenous vegetables, with special mention of cancer bush and jute mallow, as well as some pre-sowing treatments that can be used to break their dormancy. It further examines the potential of technological advances such as gene editing, genome engineering, and epigenesis regulation in addressing these challenges and improving cultivation.
... Seed germination is considered a critical indicator of plant growth and tolerance to the global change in alpine habitats (Fernández-Pascual et al. 2021). Additionally, seed germination is regarded as a key driver of vegetation regeneration and species distribution (Baskin and Baskin 2014). Furthermore, temperature and moisture content significantly influence plant seed biology, particularly germination performance (Walck et al. 2011). ...
... For seed mass, three lots of mature seeds (50 seeds in each) from each elevation were oven-dried at 60°C for 72 hours (Baskin and Baskin 2014). Seed mass was measured using a digit weighing balance (0.0001 g) (Model: Mg214Ai; Bel Engineering, Monza, Italy). ...
... There were five replicates (Petri dishes) for each treatment, with 30 seeds in each replicate, resulting in a total of 150 seeds incubated under each environmental condition. Each Petri dish (9 cm diameter) was lined with a double-layer of Whattman No.1 filter paper and 30 seeds were placed at equal distances (Baskin and Baskin 2014;Prakash et al. 2011). For the control and complete darkness treatment, only distilled water (3 mL) was used to moisten the filter paper. ...
... Para la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas es determinante la calidad del sitio a donde fueron dispersadas. Según la especie, las semillas pueden estar latentes y formar bancos hasta que se den las condiciones para la germinación (Baskin & Baskin, 1998). Los bancos se pueden clasificar por su duración (Baskin & Baskin, 1998). ...
... Según la especie, las semillas pueden estar latentes y formar bancos hasta que se den las condiciones para la germinación (Baskin & Baskin, 1998). Los bancos se pueden clasificar por su duración (Baskin & Baskin, 1998). Una vez que emergen las plántulas, es determinante la calidad del sitio para el establecimiento del nuevo individuo. ...
... Una vez que se producen las semillas y se da el desprendimiento de las bellotas, éstas pierden su viabilidad después de dos a tres meses (Bonfil, 1998). Es decir, que forma bancos de semillas transitorios (Thompson & Grime, 1979, Baskin & Baskin, 1998, Tlalpa, 2005 porque las semillas germinan en seguida de la maduración. ...
... Primary seed dormancy describes the phenomenon of fresh, viable seeds not germinating despite permissive environmental conditions (light, moisture and suitable temperature). Dormancy allows for seed physiology to be optimized such that germination occurs when there is the best chance of seedling survival, optimal phenology and maximal reproductive fitness (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). ...
... Light, temperature, nutrients and water availability during growth of the mother affects the dormancy of its seeds (the progeny). Extensive evidence for maternal environmental effects on seed dormancy has been collected across a wide range of seed plant species (Roach and Wulff, 1987;Gutterman, 2000;Baskin and Baskin, 2014). These descriptions of maternal environmental effects are complicated because, in practise, it is challenging to differentiate between zygotic responses to the environment as seeds develop on the mother plant and effects of the environmental experience of the mother itself (Gutterman, 2000;Penfield and MacGregor, 2017). ...
... Many species exhibit physical dormancy in which permeability of the seed coat to water controls whether the seed will germinate. Physical dormancy occurs in at least 14 families of angiosperms, and seed coat properties often vary with environmental conditions (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). Although Arabidopsis dormancy is imposed by the endosperm, mutants that affect seed coat properties, such as the TRANSPARENT TESTA mutants, are altered in dormancy . ...
The environment experienced by a plant before and after reproduction can have a profound effect on the behaviour of the progeny after shedding. Maternal environmental effects on seeds are important for phenology and fitness in plants, especially for bet-hedging reproductive strategies. Maternal tissues that disperse with seeds are important for dormancy in many species, particularly those with coat-imposed dormancy and those that disperse in indehiscent fruits. Maternal nitrogen status, temperature and photoperiod modify maternal tissues and also influence the developing zygote. During seed development on the mother, the progeny may acquire environmental information directly, but there is also evidence for maternal–filial signalling and the epigenetic inheritance of environmental information through the germline.
... Seed dormancy and germination are controlled by various environmental factors, such as light, temperature, and the duration of seed storage (after ripening) (Bewley, 1997). Dormancy types are classified into five categories: physiological dormancy (PD), morphological dormancy (MD), morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), physical dormancy (PY), and combinational dormancy (PY+PD) (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). ...
... An underdeveloped embryo is characterized by a relatively small embryo size and an E:S ratio of< 0.5, and is classified as MD (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). Seeds with MD have embryos that Percent germination of Lonicera insularis seeds at various temperatures after stratification 0, 1, and 2 weeks at 15°C under light condition. ...
... In this study, L. insularis seeds germinated only under light conditions. Although the seeds of numerous species successfully germinate in both light and darkness, certain species may germinate only under light or dark conditions (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). Light serves as a crucial environmental signal that controls diverse biological processes, such as seed dormancy and germination, photomorphogenesis, phototropism, shade avoidance, and flowering (Yang et al., 2020). ...
Lonicera insularis Nakai is endemic plant predominantly distributed along the coastlines of Ulleung-do and Dok-do in South Korea, and is significant for medicinal and ornamental uses. However, previous studies reported that L. insularis seeds exhibit morphological dormancy (MD), causing them to germinate only at specific temperatures. Therefore, this study aimed to classify the dormancy type of L. insularis seeds, expand the germination temperature range, and confirm the industrial applicability through dormancy-release (DR) priming. The seeds of L. insularis exhibited no inhibition of water absorption by the seed coat, with 85.0% germination observed at 15°C, similar to the viability (84.0%). Initially, the initial seeds of L. insularis exhibited an embryo-to-seed (E:S) ratio of 0.24 during dispersal, which increased to 0.81 by day 18 at 15°C, indicating that the seeds exhibit MD with underdeveloped embryos. Treatments with GA3 and GA4 + 7 to overcome MD and expand the germination temperature range did not significantly enhance germination. However, seeds that grew embryos through stratification for 2 weeks at 15°C effectively expanded the germination temperature range. Additionally, DR-primed seeds maintained the expanded germination temperature range even after redrying, confirming the commercial potential of DR-primed seeds. Therefore, this study represents the first application of a novel approach to alleviate dormancy in L. insularis seeds through the integration of stratification and priming techniques, termed dormancy-release priming. This approach resulted in a significant increase in germination and expanded the effective temperature range for seed germination. These findings suggest that dormancy-release priming could be a valuable method for producing non-dormant seeds, enhancing the potential for L. insularis distribution and industrial applications.
... Ecología Austral 34:593-607 I����������� El banco de semillas comprende la reserva de propágulos viables que pueden estar enterrados en el suelo, sobre el suelo y en el mantillo (Márquez et al. 2002;Fenner and Thompson 2005;Baskin and Baskin 2014). Es un reservorio de biodiversidad y permite inferir las respuestas de una comunidad vegetal frente a las invasiones biológicas y de las actividades destinadas a la restauración (Fenner and Thompson 2005;Le Maitre et al. 2011;Baskin and Baskin 2014;Sanhueza and Zalba 2014;Diaz Villa et al. 2016;Gioria et al. 2019Gioria et al. , 2021. ...
... Ecología Austral 34:593-607 I����������� El banco de semillas comprende la reserva de propágulos viables que pueden estar enterrados en el suelo, sobre el suelo y en el mantillo (Márquez et al. 2002;Fenner and Thompson 2005;Baskin and Baskin 2014). Es un reservorio de biodiversidad y permite inferir las respuestas de una comunidad vegetal frente a las invasiones biológicas y de las actividades destinadas a la restauración (Fenner and Thompson 2005;Le Maitre et al. 2011;Baskin and Baskin 2014;Sanhueza and Zalba 2014;Diaz Villa et al. 2016;Gioria et al. 2019Gioria et al. , 2021. Los principales cambios en las estructuras de las comunidades invadidas se registraron en el tamaño de los bancos de semillas, la riqueza y la diversidad de las especies nativas (Le Maitre et al. 2011). ...
... A medida que cesaba la emergencia de plántulas, las muestras se dejaban secar, a principios de diciembre de 2021 y mediados de noviembre de 2022 -primer y segundo año de muestreo-, respectivamente. A continuación, el contenido de cada bandeja (i.e., perlite, arena y suelo) se mezcló y se hidrató para provocar un segundo pulso de emergencia (Baskin and Baskin 2014;Vignolio et al. 2021a). En el verano, debido a la elevada temperatura del aire en el invernáculo, las muestras se dejaron en el exterior, protegidas (Vignolio et al. 2021a). ...
El análisis de los cambios que producen la invasión de especies vegetales sobre la estructura de las comunidades de pastizales y la planificación de la restauración de las especies nativas deben incluir el estudio del banco de semillas. Se analizaron los efectos de la propagación de los arbustos Baccharis dracunculifolia (Bd) y de los árboles Racosperma melanoxylon (monte de acacias joven y añoso) sobre el banco de semillas germinables del suelo (BS) y de la broza (BB) de un pastizal dominado por Paspalum quadrifarium (Pq, pajonal), establecido en una sierra del Sistema de Tandilia. Se presentan los resultados de la densidad de plántulas, la riqueza, la diversidad, la equitatividad y el índice de disimilitud florística (IDF). Baccharis dracunculifolia y P. quadrifarium presentan un banco transitorio, mientras que el de R. melanoxylon es persistente. En el BS y en el BB se identificaron 94 y 32 especies, respectivamente. La cantidad de semillas en BS fue mayor en los montes (14000 semillas/m²) que en el pajonal (8500 semillas/m²) y en Bd (6400 semillas/m²). La cantidad de semillas en el BB fue mayor en el pajonal (965 semillas/m²) que en los montes (699 semillas/m²) y Bd (44 semillas/ m²). La riqueza no difirió entre el pastizal dominado por P. quadrifarium, los invadidos por las acacias y B. dracunculifolia, siendo el valor promedio de 28 y 6 especies en BS y BB, respectivamente. La diversidad y la equitatividad variaron con el tipo de banco y con la propagación de las especies. El IDF permitió determinar que los ambientes dominados por P. quadrifarium y B. dracunculifolia tienen más especies en común que el pajonal y los montes. En el contexto de la conservación del pastizal, se deberían considerar los cambios en los bancos por la propagación de B. dracunculifolia y R. melanoxylon. La escasez de semillas y la ausencia de plantas de P. quadrifarium en el monte añoso ponen en evidencia que la restauración del pajonal requiere, además del corte de los árboles, otro tipo de intervención.
... This study aims to address three critical questions: (1) whether yew produces an adequate quantity of seeds to support robust regeneration; (2) if there is a pattern of years with greater seed production, considering that years with greater seed production can reduce seed predation (Huang et al. 2021);(3) to what extent yew seeds are tolerant of desiccation, potentially affecting seed viability in natural settings; and (4) what type of seed dormancy this tree species exhibits and how it may affect seed regeneration. Although morphological dormancy in Taxaceae species is well-documented (Baskin and Baskin 2014), the specific dormancy type in yew seeds remains unreported. By investigating these factors, this study seeks to elucidate the complex interplay between climatic and biotic factors that hinder the regeneration of yew. ...
... In agreement with previous databases (Baskin and Baskin 2014 and references therein), seeds of T. baccata exhibit morphophysiological dormancy. Germination of these seeds after a warm stratification (15°C-20°C for 6.5 months) followed by a cold stratification (3°C for 4.5 months) improved germination rates up to 80%, indicating deep simple morphophysiological dormancy, as suggested by Baskin and Baskin (2014). ...
... In agreement with previous databases (Baskin and Baskin 2014 and references therein), seeds of T. baccata exhibit morphophysiological dormancy. Germination of these seeds after a warm stratification (15°C-20°C for 6.5 months) followed by a cold stratification (3°C for 4.5 months) improved germination rates up to 80%, indicating deep simple morphophysiological dormancy, as suggested by Baskin and Baskin (2014). However, Suszka (1985) maintained that cold-only stratification does not significantly promote germination even after 4 years of treatment, though the seeds remain viable. ...
Taxus baccata, commonly known as English yew, is an evergreen tree native to regions ranging from Ireland and Sweden to Morocco, Algeria, and northern Iran. This species is of special concern due to habitat loss from human activities, including forest management, leading to declining populations. A 4‐year monitoring study was conducted to investigate the factors behind the poor seed regeneration of yew. We examined seed germination, dormancy, desiccation tolerance, and seed predation as potential contributors to this issue. Our study proposed potential seed predation by frugivores and granivores, along with morphophysiological dormancy, as primary reasons for poor regeneration. Despite high seed production and seed availability in certain years, germination did not improve, likely due to the small size of the yew seed embryos, which prolongs dormancy. Yew seeds are desiccation‐tolerant, water‐permeable, and lack physical germination barriers, making seed predation a significant limiting factor. In conclusion, the natural regeneration of yew is hampered by potential seed predation, morphophysiological dormancy, and environmental factors such as altered temperature and rainfall patterns, which change the dormancy‐breaking process. Further research is needed to quantify seed predation and explore its impact on seedling survival.
... Generally, seeds with physiological dormancy (PD) do not germinate within 4 weeks under favorable conditions. This dormancy can be subdivided by depth: deep, intermediate, or nondeep [5,6]. Seeds germinate after temperature treatments (warm and cold stratification) and artificial hormone treatments (gibberellic acid). ...
... From an evolutionary perspective, the primitive dormancy classes are morphological dormancy and morphophysiological dormancy. Morphophysiological dormancy seeds evolved into PD by increasing embryo size, eventually becoming nondormant seeds that have lost PD [5,6,12]. External and internal seed morphology of P. hallaisanensis. ...
... From an evolutionary perspective, the primitive dormancy classes are morphological dormancy and morphophysiological dormancy. Morphophysiological dormancy seeds evolved into PD by increasing embryo size, eventually becoming nondormant seeds that have lost PD [5,6,12]. ...
Pedicularis hallaisanensis Hurusawa, native to Mt. Halla and Gaya, is an endangered endemic species. To support conservation efforts, this study investigated its germination characteristics and kind of seed dormancy. The seeds of P. hallaisanensis had fully developed linear embryos at dispersal, with no additional embryo growth observed. Water imbibition was observed prior to germination. The seeds were water-permeable. The seeds did not germinate at four temperature treatments (4 °C/1 °C, 15 °C/6 °C, 20 °C/10 °C, and 25 °C/15 °C). However, cold stratification and gibberellic acid treatments broke seed dormancy. Total germination was 15%, 15%, and 45% at 12, 16, and 20 weeks of cold stratification, respectively. Total germination at 25 °C /15 °C for GA treatments were 0%, 25%, 25%, and 80% at 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/L, respectively. This study showed that the seeds of P. hallaisanensis have intermediate physiological dormancy, requiring 20 weeks of cold stratification or more than 2000 mg/L GA concentration to maximize total germination. These results are useful for understanding ecophysiological mechanisms related to the species’ habitat and for mass propagation to conserve this endangered species.
... The morphophysiological dormancy in these species is associated to the underdeveloped embryo (Bewley et al., 2013;Baskin & Baskin, 2014), in addition to inhibitory mechanisms, such as the polyphenols in the seed coat (Mireski et al., 2018), which hamper the embryo development and seed germination (Bewley et al. 2013;Baskin & Baskin, 2014). Reinke,R. ...
... The morphophysiological dormancy in these species is associated to the underdeveloped embryo (Bewley et al., 2013;Baskin & Baskin, 2014), in addition to inhibitory mechanisms, such as the polyphenols in the seed coat (Mireski et al., 2018), which hamper the embryo development and seed germination (Bewley et al. 2013;Baskin & Baskin, 2014). Reinke,R. ...
... S.,& Martins,S. S. |21 substrate reduces the influence of germination inhibitors due to their leaching (Bewley et al., 2013), this is what occurs, for example, in soil seed banks (Baskin & Baskin, 2014). ...
The specie Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., known as yerba mate, is propagated by seeds that have morphophysiological dormancy. This study aimed to answer the following questions: (1) What are the changes that occur in the Ilex paraguariensis embryos during moist stratification? and (2) May the incorporation of chemical fertilizers in moist stratification medium promote an increase in the germination percentage in yerba mate seeds? For this purpose, yerba mate seeds were subjected to two stratification treatments: between two layers of moist sand and between two layers of moist sand with mineral fertilizer plus a control, for 180 days. At intervals of 30 days, seeds were removed for structural anatomical analysis and, at 150 and 180 days, also for germination tests at 25 °C, which were monitored for 180 days. The treatment with the highest germination percentage during stratification (15.4%) and in the germination tests (15.2 and 20.1%) was the one with mineral fertilizer incorporated in the moist stratification medium. Only in this treatment the embryos in more advanced stages of development (torpedo and mature). It is concluded that embryo development and germination were favored by moist stratification medium with the addition of chemical fertilizers.
... To ensure successful regeneration, dispersed propagules must germinate at the right place and at the right time (Baskin and Baskin 2014;). As such, seed germination is a critical stage in the life cycle of plants that occurs as a response to a combination of environmental cues (Bewley et al. 2013;Baskin and Baskin 2014) constituting the 'seed germination niche' (Grubb 1977;Donohue et al. 2010;Carta et al. 2022). ...
... To ensure successful regeneration, dispersed propagules must germinate at the right place and at the right time (Baskin and Baskin 2014;). As such, seed germination is a critical stage in the life cycle of plants that occurs as a response to a combination of environmental cues (Bewley et al. 2013;Baskin and Baskin 2014) constituting the 'seed germination niche' (Grubb 1977;Donohue et al. 2010;Carta et al. 2022). This niche captures the combination of environmental cues (including dormancy-breaking conditions and germination requirements) under which a species can complete a successful transition from seed to seedling, ensuring seedling survival and growth (Grubb 1977). ...
... Previous research has demonstrated that the germination niche is shaped by macroclimate and local habitat conditions (Fenner This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. and Thompson 2005;Baskin and Baskin 2014;Fernández-Pascual et al. 2021;Carta et al. 2022). Nonetheless, the germination niche varies nonrandomly across the phylogeny, with closely related species often exhibiting similar niches ) and is also influenced by the seed mass (Zhang et al. 2020;Carta et al. 2022), which is a key trait in the regeneration stages (Thompson and Grime 1983;Pons 2000). ...
Ecological theory predicts that plant reproductive phenology in the Mediterranean regions is shaped by evolutionary processes driven by strong seasonality in precipitation–evaporation patterns. Thus, it can be expected that seed germination phenology has adapted to maximise recruitment during the season of highest water availability. Cold‐cued and slow germination (i.e., the ‘Mediterranean seed germination syndrome’) has been hypothesised to be an adaptation to ensure that seedling emergence occurs in autumn/early winter, extending the growing season before the subsequent unfavourable summer drought. However, this hypothesis has been tested on individual species or local studies, without a proper synthesis for the whole Mediterranean region. Here we tested, for the first time, the Mediterranean seed germination syndrome using experimental data for 459 species (11,363 records, 59 families) occurring in the Mediterranean Basin. We performed a phylogenetically informed Bayesian meta‐analysis to model the effect on germination proportions of seven key experimental cues: mean incubation temperature, alternating temperature regime, light and dormancy‐breaking treatments (scarification, warm stratification and cold stratification) and the modulating role of seed mass on seed germination. We show that species from lowland zonal habitats of the Mediterranean align with the Mediterranean germination syndrome hypothesis, with their seeds responding positively to cool, constant temperatures and negatively to light. Yet, habitat specialists (i.e., species restricted to mountains, coasts and wetlands) deviate from the syndrome, showing nearly opposite germination requirements. Seed mass further influences the germination niche and phylogenetically related species exhibit similar germination responses. Cumulatively, these results suggest that evolutionary pressures from local habitat‐related conditions override the macroclimatically imposed Mediterranean seed germination syndrome.
... Most plant species produce a single type of seed and fruit that is best suited to their respective habitats [8]. Interestingly, many plants have evolved a heterotypic strategy [8][9][10]. ...
... Most plant species produce a single type of seed and fruit that is best suited to their respective habitats [8]. Interestingly, many plants have evolved a heterotypic strategy [8][9][10]. In a broad sense, propagator heteromorphism refers to the production of propagators (seeds or single-seeded fruits) with different forms or behaviors by a single individual, including both seed heteromorphism and fruit heteromorphism [11]. ...
... After dry storage (after ripening), the germination percentages were greatly increased ( Figure 5). Further, GA 3 promotes the germination of diaspores ( Figure 4B), thus, fresh caryopses of B. tectorum have non-deep physiological dormancy [8,44]. In addition, when the germination percentage reached more than 80%, the dry storage time of complex diaspores (4 months) was shorter than that of simple diaspores (5 months), indicating a shallower dormancy level in complex diaspores compared to simple diaspores. ...
Bromus tectorum, a winter annual plant, produces dimorphic diaspores: complex diaspores with multi-awns and simple diaspores with one awn. However, there is no information available about the role of awns and the germination characteristics of dimorphic diaspores. Dispersal germination and awns hygroscopicity of the dimorphic diaspores were assessed. The complex diaspore with multi-awns can easily be dispersed long distances from the mother plant by mammals. The simple diaspores with one awn are tightly attached to the mother plant. Caryopses from the two types of diaspores exhibited non-deep physiological dormancy at maturity, which can be released by dry storage and GA3 treatment. The awns have hygroscopic activity and can move in response to changes in moisture, moving the complex diaspore (the seed) into the soil. The seedling emergence from complex diaspores was significantly higher than those from simple diaspores at all burial depths. Germination of caryopses on the soil surface was poor. The optimal planting depth for both types of diaspores’ emergence is 1–2 cm. The distinct characteristics of dimorphic diaspores and the beneficial influence of hygroscopic awns on dispersal, germination, and seedling establishment have significant ecological implications for B. tectorum’s successful reproduction in unpredictable cold deserts.
... However, fresh seeds of other species exhibited lower germination percentages (<20%) as compared to the stored seeds. These results indicate that the seeds of these species may have different types and levels of dormancy at the time of maturity [51] that prevents the germination of freshly harvested seeds. For example, previous studies reported that C. pseudosinaica, G. capillaris, P. harmala, and P. turgidum seeds have different levels of physiological dormancy [17,52,53], while A. spinosus and L. halophilus seeds are reported to have physical dormancy due to the presence of a hard seed coating that restricts water permeability [18]. ...
... Therefore, possessing dormancy at the time of maturation could be the adaptation strategy that may allow them to escape from extreme environmental conditions during summer. Additionally, retaining dormancy could promote species persistence under desert conditions by assisting in (i) synchronizing the germination timing with favorable seasons, (ii) the formation of seedbanks, and (iii) reducing the competition for resources (i.e., nutrients and water) at the seedling proliferation stage [51,54]. Generally, seed production in deserts is erratic and low due to scanty and irregular rainfall events [21]; therefore, forming seed banks could be the adaptation strategy to survive under such conditions, especially when the production of seeds may be reduced for long periods. ...
... Fresh seeds germinated significantly better in light when compared to dark, indicating that the seeds are light sensitive and hence will germinate better if they remain on or near the soil surface. Previous studies suggested that seeds that require light for germination have higher potential to form persistent seed banks [51,70], which was clearly corroborated by our results. However, storage decreased the light-sensitivity in G. capillaris and P. harmala for germination indicating that the light sensitivity of seeds for germination is affected due to the alteration of phytochrome response during storage [71,72]. ...
Citation: Suleiman, M.K.; Bhatt, A.; Jacob, S.; Thomas, R.R.; Sivadasan, M.T. Seed Longevity in Desert Species and the Possibility of Forming a Persistent Soil Seed Bank. Sustainability 2023, 15, 15904.
... chinensis, or wheat [13]. Similarly, but only occasionally, some previous studies demonstrated genotypic variation in seed germination of wildgrowing species e.g., [14]. ...
... In this context, this study focused on the neglected and underutilized Campanula pelviformis Lam. (protected by the Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981) and Petromarula pinnata (L) A.DC., two vulnerable and range-restricted Campanulaceae species from Crete, Greece (local single-island endemics) [14,15]. Although previous studies have outlined, in general, the potential value of several Campanulaceae members for ornamental purposes [16], recent research has specifically highlighted the value of P. pinnata and C. pelviformis in various economic sectors [4][5][6] due to their impressive ornamental features, referring to their long (often >50 cm) inflorescences for use as cut flowers or to the impressive appearance of their habits rendering them as attractive new pot plants for the market [4]. ...
... Although the genotype factor and its effect in seed germination has attained significant attention in mainstream cultivated plant germplasm (e.g., [13,39]), only a limited number of studies can be found on wild-growing germplasm (e.g., [14]). Significant variability was herein observed among population samples (genotypes) of C. pelviformis from similar altitudes. ...
The genetic wealth of range-restricted species is threatened by human activities such as habitat fragmentation or alteration. This research focused on the genotype effect in sexual propagation with freshly collected seeds of vulnerable local endemic plants in Crete, namely, Campanula pelviformis and Petromarula pinnata (Campanulaceae), which can be sustainably utilized for agro-alimentary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. The morphological characteristics of seed length, width, and weight of freshly collected seeds from five wild-growing populations of C. pelviformis and seven wild-growing populations of P. pinnata from lowlands (<500 m) and semi-mountainous (>500 m) altitudes were measured and subjected to germination experiments at four incubation temperature treatments (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C). The effects of temperature, genotype, and their interactions were statistically significant for seed germination, with the results similar to those of previous studies on stored seeds of the same populations. Freshly collected seeds of both species germinated best at incubation temperatures of 10 °C and 15 °C (>68.13% for all population of C. pelviformis and >80.63% for six out of seven populations of P. pinnata), while significant differences were detected among genotypes for both species at each incubation temperature and among genotypes, even from similar altitudes. A statistically significant effect of altitude on germination percentages was observed at an incubation temperature of 20 °C between lowland and semi-mountainous genotypes for both species. The data produced in this study may enhance conservation efforts and lead to species-specific information that can be exploited in the future for their introduction as novel multi-purpose crops.
... Although, there is enough knowledge about seed germination and dormancy, no attention has been given on the variation in germination behavior among populations of this species. Germination behavior may vary greatly within a single species from one population to another, from year to year, and among individuals [13]. Adaptations to local ecological conditions may lead to differences among populations in terms of seed germination requirements. ...
... However, the observed differences in germination characteristics (rate and percentage of germination) among populations could be attributed to different degrees of dormancy. Since seeds of a species collected in various locations can vary in degree of dormancy, as reflected by germination percentages of fresh seeds [13]. It has been reported that A. andrachne seeds germinate at high percentages when they incubated at 10 or 15 • C, whereas they germinate at low percentage or fail to germinate when they incubated at 20 • C or 25 • C, respectively [12]. ...
... Vis-à-vis the dormancy issue, the response to temperature and cold stratification confirms the existence of some degree of dormancy in A. andrachne seeds. According to Baskin and Baskin [13], if cold stratification reduces the temperature requirement for germination or increases the speed of germination, the species is listed as having physiological dormancy rather than a species having nondormant seeds. Specifically, this germination behavior indicates that seeds of A. andrachne exhibit the Type 1 non-deep physiological dormancy and that germination is controlled by conditional dormancy. ...
Arbutus andrachne, the Greek strawberry tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae native to the Mediterranean basin, and is a valuable phytogenetic resource. In the context of sustainable exploitation of A. andrachne, four Greek natural populations of species were selected and a detailed germination protocol, molecular analysis, and cultivation practices were reported herein for the first time. The 1 month period of cold stratification or the treatment with gibberellic acid resulted in similar patterns of seed germination over a wide temperature range for all four populations. Differences among the four populations were observed in five of six morphological traits measured in 1-year-old seedlings. The 2-year-old plants grown in plastic bags (2.26 L in volume) showed superior growth rates. Foliage, but not roots, of 2-year-old seedlings supplemented with mineral fertilizers had higher fresh masses than untreated seedlings. The four A. andrachne accessions exhibited more genetic variability within than among populations.
... Seeds of Juniperus species are under a strong combination of physical and physiological dormancy caused by both hard testa and embryo immaturity, which requires some time to develop (after-ripening) before germination (Baskin & Baskin, 2001;Bonner, 2008). The outer layer of the seed coat results in physical dormancy, while chemical components in the embryo cause physiological dormancy, both of which prevent seed germination (Tilki, 2007). ...
... The outer layer of the seed coat results in physical dormancy, while chemical components in the embryo cause physiological dormancy, both of which prevent seed germination (Tilki, 2007). Usually, seeds with such a complex type of dormancy require long periods of stratification in order to germinate (Baskin & Baskin, 2001;Feurtado & Kermode, 2011). ...
... Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are the most commonly used acids for chemical scarification (Hartmann et al., 2010), while hydrogen peroxide is also referred. Both sulfuric and hydrochloric acids can act as scarifiers by softening hard seed coats, promoting water absorption and enhancing germination (Baskin & Baskin, 2001). Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) also plays a role in scarification, but its action is more complex. ...
In the Mediterranean Region, species of the genus Juniperus face conservation challenges due to human activities and climate change threats. Juniperus species are reported to present low regeneration rate, while their seeds often exhibit physical and physiological dormancy. Viability and germination of mature Juniperus excelsa seeds from population originating from the Prespa area (Florina, Greece), alongside with seedling survival were investigated to study the reproduction dynamic of species population known to represent a EU priority habitat type of limited distribution and with low regeneration rate. The seed cut test of an uncleaned seed lot revealed a high percentage of empty seeds (90.03%) and a low embryo viability (2%). Cleaned seeds were subjected to a total of 44 pretreatments, categorised into eight groups targeting physical and physiological dormancy, along with combinations of these techniques. Despite most treatments showing limited success in enhancing germination, three pretreatments exhibited promising results (germination between 22.22% and 39.40%). Subsequent germination tests involving these treatments in controlled chambers, as well as in field conditions, along with hydration-dehydration cycles, were conducted using newly collected seeds. Seed germination rates in controlled chambers remained low, suggesting a deep primary dormancy. Pretreated seeds, under controlled field conditions, passed two winter periods fully saturated, with 13 hydrating-dehydrating cycles in-between. Germination was maxi-mised during the second year of the field experiment, reaching almost 100% after mechanical scarification for 6 sec., followed by immersion in 3% H 2 O 2 for 2 h. However, seedling survival was low, reaching approximately 38.26%. The findings emphasise the challenges in germinating Juniperus excelsa seeds and highlight the importance of the optimised protocols for reforestation in order to conserve this habitat type.
... A completely non-dormant seed has the capacity to germinate over the widest range of normal physical environmental factors possible for the genotype (Baskin & Baskin, 1998, 2004. Besides the basic requirement for water, oxygen and an appropriate temperature, the seed may also be sensitive to other factors such as light and/or nitrate. ...
... Marianna G. Nikolaeva devised a dormancy classification system reflecting the fact that dormancy is determined by both morphological and physiological properties of the seed (Nikolaeva, 1967(Nikolaeva, , 2004. Based on this scheme, Baskin & Baskin (1998, 2004 have proposed a comprehensive classification system which includes five classes of seed dormancy: physiological (PD), morphological (MD), morphophysiological (MPD), physical (PY) and combinational (PY + PD). The system, which is summarized below, is hierarchical, with these five classes further divided into levels and types. ...
Seed germination and dormancy are intricate adaptive traits in higher plants influenced by numerous genes and environmental factors. Genetic and physiological studies have elucidated the crucial roles of plant hormones such as abscisic acid and gibberellin in regulating dormancy and germination. More recently, advances in quantitative genetics and mutant approaches have allowed further genetic dissection of these traits, unveiling previously unknown components. Molecular techniques, particularly expression studies, transcriptome analyses, and proteome analyses, have emerged as novel tools for investigating seed dormancy and germination. Seed dormancy enables seeds to withstand unfavorable conditions for seedling establishment, making it essential for both plant ecology and agriculture. Several processes contribute to the induction of dormancy and the transition from the dormant to the germinating state. The involvement of plant hormones, various tissues, and genes, including newly identified ones related to dormancy and germination, are described in this chapter. Additionally, the utilization of transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome analyses provides insights into these mechanistically complex processes that are not yet fully understood.
... To strengthen ex situ conservation of this type of plant, Castellanos-Castro et al. (2017) proposed the development of propagation protocols. For the propagation of wetland species, variables such as light, temperature, oxygen, pH, soil characteristics, and flooding have been reported to influence dormancy and seed germination, as well as seedling establishment (Kellogg et al. 2003;Baskin & Baskin 2014;Wagner & Oplinger 2017;Phartyal et al. 2020;Rosbakh et al. 2020). ...
... Flooding generates adverse conditions on plants, including hypoxia, the production of toxic compounds, soil compaction, and nitrogen deficiency (Blom & Voesenek 1996). In some species, these conditions reduce flower and seed production, decrease the number of stems per unit area, increase stem length (Webb et al. 2012), and either promote or inhibit seed germination (Casanova & Brock 2000;Kellogg et al. 2003;Webb et al. 2012;Baskin & Baskin 2014;Phartyal et al. 2020;Rosbakh et al. 2020). Not all species living in flooded environments are flood tolerant . ...
Senecio carbonellii, an endemic plant of Colombia, is classified as critically endangered in the wetlands of Bogotá D. C. This study aims to determine the desiccation tolerance and longevity of S. carbonellii seeds and evaluate the effect of flooding on seed germination and plant growth to provide information for the development of conservation strategies for the species. For this purpose, we assessed the germination, viability (using tetrazolium testing), and longevity of desiccated seeds compared to seeds with initial moisture. We also evaluated the effect of flooding on the emergence and growth of seedlings and plants under nursery conditions. Our findings indicated that the seed viability and germination percentages were significantly higher in the seeds with initial moisture compared to desiccated seeds. However, we observed that viability is maintained even after storing the seeds for more than two years, indicating that the seeds partially tolerate desiccation and that they are likely to have an intermediate storage behavior. Furthermore, flooding depth reduced the stem number, diameter, and length of plants. The results revealed that flooding negatively affects emergence and growth in the nursery.
... Our preliminary cut-test showed that seeds have a short linear embryo and copious endosperm. Consequently, we hypothesised that seeds of C. formosus have either morphological (MD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) at dispersal, like other species in Campanulaceae (Baskin and Baskin, 2014;Baskin et al., 2020). Thus, the aim of our research became more specific, i.e. to determine if seeds of C. formosus have MD or MPD, and if they have MPD, which one of the nine levels of MPD do they have (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). ...
... Consequently, we hypothesised that seeds of C. formosus have either morphological (MD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) at dispersal, like other species in Campanulaceae (Baskin and Baskin, 2014;Baskin et al., 2020). Thus, the aim of our research became more specific, i.e. to determine if seeds of C. formosus have MD or MPD, and if they have MPD, which one of the nine levels of MPD do they have (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). We also wished to determine how the timing of germination is controlled in nature. ...
We investigated the seed dormancy and germination characteristics of Cyananthus formosus , an endemic species of Hengduan Mountains in China that is narrowly distributed in alpine scree habitats. The mean embryo length (E) to seed (S) length ratio was determined for fresh and cold stratified (CS) seeds, and for seeds at the time the seed coat split but before radicle emergence. Germination of freshly matured seeds was tested in light and dark at six constant (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C) and three alternating (5/1, 15/5 and 25/15°C) temperatures and again, after six months of dry CS and after-ripening (DAR). Embryos grew inside the seed prior to germination (123% increase in E:S ratio). Fresh seeds germinated to > 90% at 20, 25 and 25/15°C within four weeks in light, but germination was significantly lower at 1, 5, 10, 5/1 and 15/5°C. CS increased final germination percentage, germination rate and widened the temperature range for germination from high to low, regardless of light conditions. DAR significantly increased the final germination percentage, particularly at 15 and 15/5°C, while it had no effect on the germination rate. The germination characteristics described herein hindered seed germination during autumn dispersal under low temperatures, while facilitating germination following snowmelt in spring. We concluded that the majority of C. formosus seeds had nondeep simple morphophysiological dormancy, while a minority of seeds exhibited morphological dormancy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on embryo growth and dormancy type in Cyananthus species.
... The dormancy-breaking requirements of different taxa can be highly specific, which seems to indicate that dormancy in general, constitute complex adaptations (Donohue et al., 2010;Linkies et al., 2010). Seed dormancy is divided into the following five categories: (1) physical dormancy (PY), (2) physiological dormancy (PD), (3) morphological dormancy (MD), (4) morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), and (5) combinational dormancy (PY+PD) (Nikolaeva, 1977;Baskin and Baskin, 1998). It is essential to be able to identify seed dormancy class in restoration practices because treatments to alleviate seed dormancy are specific to each class (Silveira 2013;Erickson et al., 2016;Kildisheva, 2019). ...
... Roxb. imbibed water. Error bars represent ± standard error Baskin and Baskin (1998) categorized physiological dormancy in three types-(1) Deepexcised embryo produces abnormal seedling, GA does not promote germination and seeds require 3-4 months of cold stratification to germinate, (2) Intermediate-excised embryo produces normal seedling, GA promotes germination in some (but not all) species, seeds require 2-3 months of cold stratification to germinate and dry storage can shorten the cold stratification period (3) Non deep-excised embryo produces normal seedling, GA promotes germination, depending on species, cold (0-10°C) or warm (15°C) stratification breaks dormancy, seeds may afterripen in dry storage and scarification may promote germination. Non-deep physiological dormancy is prevalent in the family Lamiaceae and this type of dormancy is reported to be broken during dry storage at room temperature (i.e. ...
Background: Premna latifolia Roxb. (Lamiaceae) is a deciduous tree distributed in Africa to China, throughout Indochina and Malaysia, to Australia and the Pacific. The various parts of the plant (leaves, stem bark and root) is reported to have numerous medicinal properties. The lack of understanding and consideration of dormancy and germination traits of a species could result in unsuccessful restoration programme. The aim of the present study was to investigate the nature of seed dormancy of P. latifolia that have low germination in natural conditions. Materials and Methods: To determine the type of seed dormancy, water imbibition and germination test were performed. Seeds were treated by mechanical scarification, Gibberellic acid (GA) and combined treatment of scarification and GA before allowing them to imbibe in moist paper. Results: All the treated (mechanically scarified, GA treated, mechanically scarified + GA treated) and untreated (control) seeds imbibed water for 4 days, however the maximum imbibition occurred in scarified seed + GA3 500ppm for 24 h (40.3%) followed by mechanically scarified seeds (38.7%). Higher germination was observed in scarified seeds + GA3 500ppm for 24 h (44%) followed by GA3 500ppm for 24 h (29.3%). Whereas, lowest germination was observed in untreated seeds (6.6%). Conclusion: Seeds possess non -deep physiological dormancy which requires scarification and treatment of GA to enhance germination.
... (Brasil, 2009;ISTA, 2021). Isso garante precisão, permitindo aos agricultores aprimorar suas práticas e aumentar a produtividade (Baskin & Baskin, 2014). ...
... Sendo assim os resultados do teste de germinação são essenciais para a avaliação da qualidade das sementes, proporcionando informações sobre a porcentagem de sementes capazes de germinar sob condições ideais (ISTA, 2021). Este dado é básico para os produtores, pois sementes com alta taxa de germinação é um indicativo de maior probabilidade de estabelecer plantas robustas, levando a melhores rendimentos e maior eficiência no uso de insumos (Baskin & Baskin, 2014). A precisão nos testes ajuda a evitar desperdícios e reduz a necessidade de replantio, o que pode representar economia significativa em termos de tempo e custos. ...
O feijão carioca (Phaseolus vulgaris pinto) é uma leguminosa essencial na alimentação e economia do Brasil. A qualidade das sementes é crucial para o desenvolvimento da cultura, afetando diretamente a produtividade das plantas. O tratamento de sementes é uma prática importante para protegê-las de pragas e doenças, além de prolongar sua viabilidade. O teste de germinação é fundamental para avaliar o potencial de desenvolvimento das sementes e garantir o estabelecimento adequado no campo. A escolha correta do substrato também é relevante, pois influencia diretamente nos resultados da germinação, fornecendo as condições ideais de umidade e aeração. Este estudo investigou a eficácia de diferentes substratos e tratamentos fitossanitários no teste de germinação de sementes de feijão carioca, utilizando quatro substratos: papel germitest®, papel germitest® com vermiculita, papel germitest® com Belifort S-10B e papel germitest® com casca de arroz. Os resultados mostraram que o uso de tratamentos fitossanitários, especialmente inseticida e a combinação fungicida + inseticida, associados aos substratos germitest® e germitest® + S10, apresentaram maior eficácia na germinação em comparação aos demais. Isso indica que o tratamento químico adequado, combinado com substratos como o de bagaço de uva, otimiza a germinação das sementes de feijão, contribuindo para o melhor desempenho da cultura.
... As a consequence of land-use changes, grassland coverage has strongly declined in Central Europe and many grassland habitats degraded (Zerbe, 2023). Since the reproduction success of a plant species depends not only on the total number of emerged seedlings but also on the timing of germination, we also analysed mean germination time and synchrony of germination which specifically describe the time period and temporal spread of germination (Verdú and Traveset, 2005;Ranal and Santana, 2006;Baskin and Baskin, 2014). While, to our knowledge, no studies on the influence of tetracycline or sulfonamide antibiotics on synchrony of germination are available to date, there are few studies that have tested their influences on mean germination time and found delaying effects in some species (Minden et al., 2017;Luo et al., 2019Luo et al., , 2022. ...
... In the germination studies (Exp. 1 and 2), we calculated germination percentage (GP; %), mean germination time (MGT; days) and synchrony of germination (Z; dimensionless) for each replicate (Ranal and Santana, 2006;Baskin and Baskin, 2014). GP is the percentage of germinated seeds from the initial number of seeds. ...
Seed germination and early growth of grassland species might be influenced by veterinary antibiotics that are extensively released into agricultural habitats. Therefore, we tested impacts of the commonly used antibiotics tetracycline and sulfamethazine, single and in mixture, on seed germination and seedling root growth of six typical species of temperate European grasslands (Carum carvi, Centaurea jacea, Galium mollugo, Plantago lanceolata, Silene latifolia, Dactylis glomerata). In standardised germination experiments, we assessed three germination variables (germination percentage, mean germination time, synchrony of germination) and one post-germination variable (seedling root length) under different environmentally realistic antibiotic concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 mg l-1 and a water control). While the germination variables were only irregularly and weakly affected by both antibiotics, seedling root length was strongly reduced by tetracycline, but not by sulfamethazine. Among the test species, D. glomerata was most sensitive to tetracycline with the average root length reduced up to 81 % in the 10 mg l-1 treatment. Its germination behaviour, however, was almost insensitive to the two antibiotics. Mixture effects were only shown in relation to the germination of single species, where the binary mixture produced effects but not the two single antibiotics or, conversely, effects of single antibiotics were lost in the mixture. These findings highlight the potential threat of plant regeneration from seed by veterinary antibiotics, particularly affecting early root growth and potentially influencing plant population growth in natural habitats.
... Physical dormancy, caused by an impermeable seed coat (testa) or endocarp, prevents water from reaching the embryo and is a heritable trait. The testa and endocarp are derived from the ovule's integuments and the ovary wall's inner epidermal layer, respectively (Baskin and Baskin, 2014;Hudson et al., 2015). Several studies have explored methods to break the dormancy of Cycas revoluta. ...
Cycas revoluta seeds exhibit both physical and morphological dormancy, posing significant challenges to their germination. This study investigated the morphological characteristics and dormancy mechanisms of C. revoluta seeds and evaluated methods to overcome these dormancies. Seeds were harvested over two consecutive years and subjected to different treatments. A morphological analysis of seed structure was conducted, along with assessments of physical (seed size, weight, and moisture content) and physiological tests (germination rate, germination speed, and mean time of germination).Morphological characterization revealed that the thick, woody sclerotesta forms an impermeable barrier, while the embryos within are often underdeveloped at the time of seed maturity. Germination of the first year demonstrated that removing the sclerotesta significantly enhances germination rates, with naked seeds achieving a 70% germination rate at 30 °C. In the second year, soaking naked seeds in gibberellic acid at 200 ppm for 24 hours further promoted germination, though its effect was modest compared to sclerotesta removal (naked seed). This study also demonstrated that storing seeds for a year allowed embryos to complete their development, further improving germination outcomes. These findings suggested that mechanical removal of the sclerotesta, combined with optimal storage conditions, is an effective strategy for overcoming dormancy in C. revoluta seeds and soak time in gibberellic acid (200 ppm) or water for 24 hours could enhance germination as well.
... The germination process involves a series of complex biochemical and physiological changes that facilitate the embryo activation and support the development of a new plant (Bewley et al., 2013). In a narrower sense, germination refers to the physiological process in which a seed transitions from a dormant state to an active one, ultimately leading to the formation of a new plant (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). Seed germination is a highly complex process involving numerous biological factors that affect the embryo within the seed (Fenner and Thompson, 2005). ...
The hereby research aimed to identify the influence of several biostimulants on the germination capacity of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), with the goal of enhancing the germination process, which is fundamental for the conservation and development of this ecologically and economically important species. Biological materials were collected from four different geographical provenances in Romania: Prejmer (Brașov), Racășa (Maramureș), Căpâlna (Alba), and Orăștie (Hunedoara). The main phenotypic characteristics of the seeds were analyzed, including length, diameter, and weight. Germination capacity was assessed using different biostimulants, compared with untreated seeds as a control. Results showed significant differences between the investigated provenances regarding morphological traits of seeds, respectively, seed length, diameter, and weight. Additionally, significant differences in germination capacity were noticed among the applied treatments and studied provenances. The treatment with Atonik biostimulant illustrated the best results within all provenances, followed by Nitrozym and Cropmax. The study offers useful information into enhancing the germination capacity of Q. robur, highlighting the significance of provenance and stimulation treatments for effective germination, significant for the conservation and sustainable management of this species.
... However, the low germination rate of its seeds, resulting from the impermeability of the integument, constitutes a significant obstacle to the large-scale propagation of the species (Mwase et al., 2015;Olatunji et al., 2017). Dormancy is influenced by several factors, including the characteristics of the integument, chemical exclusion and specific environmental requirements (Baskin & Baskin, 2014). ...
Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate methods of overcoming the dormancy of Delonix regia seeds, with an emphasis on sustainable techniques. Study Design: The experimental design was entirely randomized, with five replicates of 20 seeds. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted on the premises of the Instituto Federal do Tocantins, Câmpus Avançado Formoso do Araguaia, located in the municipality of Formoso do Araguaia, in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Between September 2024 and October 2024. Methodology: The seeds were subjected to the following treatments: T1, untreated seeds (control); T2, chemical scarification with sulfuric acid for 3 minutes; T3, chemical scarification with sulfuric acid for 5 minutes; T4, immersion in water at 80°C for 3 minutes, followed by cooling to room temperature; T5, immersion in water at 80°C for 5 minutes, followed by cooling to room temperature; and T6, immersion in water at 80°C for 10 minutes, followed by cooling to room temperature. The analyses carried out included seedling emergence, the emergence speed index, the average emergence time and the emergence speed coefficient. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five replicates of 20 seeds each. The data were subjected to tests for normality and homoscedasticity, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the F-test, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. Results: The results of this study indicated that heat treatments with immersion in water at 80°C for 5 minutes (T5) were the most effective in overcoming the dormancy of Delonix regia seeds. This method resulted in the highest emergence rates and the highest emergence speed indexes (ESI), highlighting its potential as a sustainable and efficient alternative to chemical treatments. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that heat treatment with immersion in water at 80°C for 5 minutes was the most effective in overcoming the dormancy of Delonix regia seeds.
... Difficulty in population regeneration caused by seed nondormancy may be an essential reason why P. yunnanensis is endangered (Ma et al. 1988). Considering that the seeds of other Pellacalyx species and the inland relative Ca. pectinifolia are physiologically dormant, P. yunnanensis ancestors may have lost this trait (Baskin and Baskin 2014). We examined the copy number evolution of 713 gene families related to seed development. ...
Increased human activity and climate change have significantly impacted wild habitats and increased the number of endangered species. Exploring evolutionary history and predicting adaptive potential using genomic data will facilitate species conservation and biodiversity recovery. Here, we examined the genome evolution of a critically endangered tree Pellacalyx yunnanensis , a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) that is narrowly distributed in Xishuangbanna, China. The species has neared extinction due to economic exploitation in recent decades. We assembled a chromosome‐level genome of 334 Mb, with the N50 length of 20.5 Mb. Using the genome, we discovered that P. yunnanensis has undergone several population size reductions, leading to excess deleterious mutations. The species may possess low adaptive potential due to reduced genetic diversity and the loss of stress‐responsive genes. We estimate that P. yunnanensis is the basal species of its genus and diverged from its relatives during global cooling, suggesting it was stranded in unsuitable environments during periods of dramatic climate change. In particular, the loss of seed dormancy leads to germination under unfavourable conditions and reproduction challenges. This dormancy loss may have occurred through genetic changes that suppress ABA signalling and the loss of genes involved in seed maturation. The high‐quality genome has also enabled us to reveal phenotypic trait evolution in Rhizophoraceae and identify divergent adaptation to intertidal and inland habitats. In summary, our study elucidates mechanisms underlying the decline and evaluates the adaptive potential of P. yunnanensis to future climate change, informing future conservation efforts.
... Dormancy could synchronize germination with the growing season, but we argue that the seeds of G. aristata are non-dormant, even though they closely resemble the 'inverse epicotyl' dormancy reported in Zosteraceae [6]. Dormancy is a temporary failure in seed germination even if seeds experience all the conditions, including water, oxygen, soil, etc. [1,2,60]. Because the seed coat is permeable to water, intact seeds germinated within 30 days, and there was fully functional shoot emergence and failure of root emergence only occurred in seeds not provided with external water, and so we rule out the possibility that the seeds are dormant. ...
Unconventional germination, wherein shoots emerge and establish true leaves before the root emerges, is only found in Zosteraceae. In Garcinia, germination proceeds with the primary root emerging, followed by shoot emergence on the opposite side, but before leaf differentiation, adventitious roots emerge at the base of the shoots. However, germination and survival mechanisms in several Garcinia species are still unclear. We subjected freshly collected G. aristata seeds to an imbibition test, and germination was evaluated at various temperatures and light conditions. Desiccation sensitivity assessments were made at different stages of drying. The effect of natural drying (ambient storage) on germination was assessed by leaving the seeds outside in natural conditions. Seeds of G. aristata with a moisture content (MC) of 67% had more than 95% germination only at 25 and 25/30 °C both in light/dark and darkness, but at 25/40 °C only 10% germinated. In 4% of the seeds, germination incepted with primary shoot emergence, and a secondary (adventitious) root emerged just before leaf differentiation. More than 95% of the seeds germinated with only a secondary root and shoot emerging concurrently. Drying fresh seeds above silica gel to 30% MC resulted in complete viability loss. Seeds stored at ambient conditions germinated without external water, and had no primary or secondary root, and the emerging shoot continued to grow into seedlings. A root develops in these seeds only when water becomes available. G. aristata seeds are desiccation-sensitive and non-dormant. When no external water is available, G. aristata seeds can germinate with shoots and establish seedlings. This is the first report on germination and successful seedling establishment without roots in Garcinia.
... Another study confirms our findings and shows that anthropogenic pressures on India's high-altitude national parks have not only altered soil properties but also potentially threatened species composition (Bisht et al., 2022). In the same sense, studies show that alpine plants from different regions of the world respond similarly to germination cues that promote successful regeneration: cold stratification, warm and alternating temperatures and light (Baskin & Baskin, 2014;Fenner et al., 2005;Rosbakh et al., 2015). Although forest species spontaneously recolonized and spread slowly, tree seed dispersal and soil seed banking also played an important role in restoring woodlands (Wang et al., 2020). ...
Juniperus thurifera was selected for this study due to its crucial ecological role in high mountain ecosystems and the increasing threats it faces, such as habitat degradation and regeneration challenges. The analysis of stand structure by altitude shows that the distribution of individuals and stem count vary with elevation, highlighting the species' adaptability to mountainous conditions. Altitudinal degradation significantly impacts seed production, with a positive correlation (r = 0.65) between stem and fruit numbers in females. J. thurifera also plays a vital role in soil retention, as indicated by the positive correlation (r = 0.511) between ground projection and soil thickness, emphasizing its importance in slope stabilization and erosion prevention. Sexual dimorphism reveals dendrometric differences between males and females, affecting regeneration and reproduction. Age estimation based on circumference shows the predominance of aging, non-reproductive trees, threatening future regeneration. Principal component analysis (PCA) further refines recommendations by revealing complex relationships between dendrometric characteristics and environmental factors, providing precise guidelines for J. thurifera conservation. ARTICLE HISTORY
... In the case of goatgrass (Leymus chinensis), for example, studies have shown that seed germination and seedling growth can only proceed normally in the pH range of 7.49 to 9.14, and that too high or too low a pH is not conducive to plant survival [59]. Some studies have altered the pH in plant seed germination environments by simulating acid rain and found that small rye (X Triticosecal) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds germinate better in neutral to acidic environments [60]. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different pH concentration treatments on oat seed germination and seedlings. ...
Oat is an important crop widely distributed in temperate zones and is also commonly planted in the karst areas of southwest China. However, due to severe rocky desertification, the complex soil in this area is characterized by high calcium content, alkaline conditions, and drought, which significantly negatively impact the growth of oat seedlings. To study the adaptability of oats to rocky desertification stress at the seedling stage, we investigated the effects of CaCl2 (0–150 mM), the pH (3–9), and drought stress (PEG-6000 solution at 0 to −0.79 MPa) on seed germination and seedling growth. The results showed that (1) calcium stress had dual effects on seed germination within the range of 5–150 mM CaCl2. Low concentrations of CaCl2 (5 mM) promoted the germination potential, germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of oats, as well as the growth and biomass accumulation of radicles in oat seedlings; however, high concentrations of CaCl2 inhibited these germination parameters. (2) Under drought stress, moderate concentrations of a PEG-6000 solution significantly improved the germination potential and germination rate of oat seeds, but the germination index and vigor index decreased with an increasing PEG-6000 concentration. When the PEG-6000 concentration corresponded to −0.06 MPa, the root growth and fresh weight accumulation of oat seedlings were significantly promoted; however, as the concentration increased to −0.53 MPa and –0.79 MPa, seed germination and seedling growth were significantly inhibited. (3) pH treatments had no significant effect on oat seed germination, but all growth indexes of oats showed a downward trend under alkaline conditions. These results suggest that suitable conditions for oat planting in karst rocky desertification areas are 5 mM CaCl2, pH levels of 5–8, and drought stress between 0 and −0.32 MPa. This study provides a theoretical basis for oat introduction, cultivation, and stress-resistant breeding in this area.
... With a 1.5 to 2 cm layer of sand in the germination box, there is a larger stock of water available for seeds to fully imbibe and initiate germination. In addition, if materials such as sugars, amino acids and germination inhibitors leach from seeds, they will be more diluted in sand because of the greater volume of water and dilution of leachates that help to reduce the chances of seeds being attacked by fungi or germination being reduced by inhibitors [54]. Regarding the composite substrate, it tends to be heavy and compact because of the characteristics of the soil and the manure. ...
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen, a medicinal tree indigenous to tropical Africa, faces threats due to root overharvesting and limited occurrence. This study assessed the extent of variation in the morphological traits and germination of seeds collected from populations located across the Sudano-Sahelian and Sudanian climatic zones in Burkina Faso. A total of 1600 mature fruits across the two climatic zones were characterized in their morphology. Seed germination tests were conducted with material collected across climatic zones, using six physical and chemical pre-treatments and two substrates. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance were used to process the data generated. The morphological data showed significant variations in fruit and nut traits across the populations sampled, which may reflect a significant underlying genetic diversity, as expected in wild plants. Samples from the Sudano-Sahelian zone exhibited larger fruits (11.87 ± 1.38 mm) containing heavier (0.12 ± 0.04 g) and larger (5.64 ± 1.02 mm) nuts. Seeds sown on river sand exhibited the highest mean germination percentage (35.24 ± 17.73%) and germination speed (0.40 ± 0.36 seedlings per day). Seed wing and coat removal resulted in the highest mean germination percentages (respectively, 36.5 ± 19% and 35.5 ± 16%). These results suggest the existence of some barriers to germination in S. longipedunculata seeds. For seedling production, preferably heavier fruits should be collected and sowing carried out on river sand after wing or coat removal.
... Embora esse mecanismo seja adaptativo, ele apresenta desafios significativos para a agricultura moderna, especialmente em cultivos como o arroz sequeiro, onde a dormência pode comprometer a produtividade devido à germinação irregular e retardada. "O manejo da dormência de sementes através de tratamentos térmicos pode ser uma ferramenta eficaz para otimizar a produtividade agrícola, especialmente em sistemas agrícolas de sequeiro, onde a eficiência hídrica é uma prioridade" (Baskin & Baskin, 2014 ...
RESUMO: A dormência das sementes é um obstáculo importante para a agricultura, particularmente em cultivares de arroz sequeiro, onde a disponibilidade de água é limitada. A germinação rápida e uniforme é crucial para o estabelecimento eficiente das lavouras e, para superar a dormência, tratamentos térmicos vêm sendo amplamente estudados. Este trabalho investiga a eficácia de diferentes combinações de temperatura e tempo de exposição (40°C, 70°C e 100°C por 30, 60 e 90 minutos) para quebrar a dormência de sementes de arroz sequeiro Ana 9005. As sementes foram submetidas aos tratamentos em laboratório e avaliadas quanto à taxa de germinação em uma câmara de germinação controlada por 7 dias. Os dados obtidos incluíram o número de sementes germinadas, o tempo médio de germinação e a taxa final de germinação. Os resultados esperados incluem a identificação dos tratamentos mais eficazes para melhorar a taxa de germinação, permitindo maior uniformidade e produtividade das lavouras. A pesquisa visa também contribuir com recomendações práticas para o manejo de sementes em regiões de sequeiro, promovendo uma agricultura mais eficiente e sustentável, com menor dependência de insumos químicos.
... During the germination test, 90% of viable seeds germinated on the fourth day in all lots and experimental periods and the increments stabilized until the tenth day after the test was set up, with sufficient seedlings development for an adequate evaluation of their structures. Considering that the germination test should have sufficient duration to allow the germination process to occur without prolonging it to the point of breaking dormancy or overestimating the sample performance [32], this result provides significant insights into the timing specified by the Rules for Seed Testing [8] for O. basilicum L., indicating the potential to reduce the total test duration from fourteen to ten days, which could lead to substantial reductions in operational costs related to equipment usage and labor in the laboratory. ...
The short cultivation cycle and high essential oil content of basil plants render them a valuable raw material source for diverse industries. However, large-scale production is hindered by the lack of specific protocols to assess seed vigor; thus, a consistent supply of high-quality seeds that meet consumer demands cannot be ensured. This study investigated the effectiveness of an automated system for seedling analysis as a tool for evaluating basil seed vigor and compared it to traditional tests. For this purpose, seeds from eight commercial lots were evaluated in two separate trials spaced six months apart using the following tests: germination, first germination count, saturated salt accelerated aging, primary root emergence, mean germination time, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, and computerized seedling image analysis. The parameters provided by the system allowed us to clearly and objectively classify the basil seed lots based on vigor, and the results were strongly and significantly correlated with the findings of traditional vigor tests, particularly between the vigor index and seedling length. Digital analysis of four-day-old seedlings proved to be a fast and efficient technique for evaluating basil seed vigor and has the potential for use in automating the data collection and analysis process.
... Once the farmers were consulted and in other technical documents about the quantity, depth, and distance at which each type of seed should be placed (Cherfas, 2009;Sari, 2001;Landis, 2000;Baskin & Baskin, 2014), it was possible to standardize each parameter by programming the mobile robot with the values shown in Table 1. To comply with the different actions that the mobile robot must perform in the seed-sowing process depending on the operating specifications entered through the HMI interface of the touch screen, the programming codes were implemented on the two Arduino cards. ...
The main objective of this project is to build a mobile terrestrial robot that allows the sowing of seeds of various types of plants that are cultivated in an artisanal way. A structure based on tracked locomotion has been designed that involves the use of several sensors, DC motors, and control systems based on two Arduino boards, which together allow the mobile robot to interact with the irregular environment through which it moves. The locomotion process carried out by the seeding robot is configured through an HMI interface implemented on a touch screen, where the user chooses the type and quantity of seeds to be sown so that the robot then follows an autonomous rectilinear trajectory which is supervised and corrected utilizing a neuro-diffuse control such as ANFIS. In addition, the mobile robot has a battery feeding and charging system through solar panels, which gives it complete autonomy to carry out the work entrusted to it.
... Artificial cultivation predominantly relies on seed propagation, and overcoming seed dormancy constitutes a major hurdle in cultivation techniques. The seed dormancy in M. sieboldii is classified as morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) (Baskin and Baskin 2014). At the time of maturity, embryo development is incomplete accompanied by water-soluble germination inhibitors in the outer seed coat and endosperm. ...
Magnolia sieboldii K. Koch ( M. sieboldii ) stands as an elegant tree species within the Magnoliaceae family, esteemed for its exquisite beauty, cultural significance and economic advantages. The species faces challenges in seed germination under natural conditions, primarily attributed to morphological dormancy. Despite its significance, the molecular mechanisms governing M. sieboldii seed germination remain elusive, compounded by the absence of genomic resources specific to this species. In this study, we present the first chromosome‐scale genome assembly of M. sieboldii , with a total genome size of 2.01 Gb, including 1096 scaffolds assigned to 19 chromosomes (N50 = 102.4 Mb). Phylogenetic analyses, incorporating 13 plant species, illuminate the evolutionary independence of Magnoliids from monocots and eudicots, positioning them as a sister clade. Through RNA‐seq analysis, we identify pivotal genes and pathways contributing to seed dormancy and germination. In addition, our investigation delves into the the far‐red‐impaired response (FAR1) transcription factor gene family, revealing their enrichment throughout evolution and their involvement in the intricate process of seed germination. This comprehensive genome sequencing initiative offers invaluable insights into the biological attributes of M. sieboldii , with a specific emphasis on unravelling the complexities of seed dormancy and germination.
Safflower is a crop with seeds containing high amounts of oleic and linoleic acids, which have applications in cosmetics, food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Safflower seeds are generally reported to undergo after-ripening and to have physiological dormancy. This study comprehensively analyzed the physical changes and the induction of dormancy and germinability in developing seeds to determine whether the safflower population is adequately developed during seed dispersal. From the 80th day after flowering (DAF), seeds were collected separately from plants on a weekly basis until 131 DAF, resulting in seven sampling dates. The changes in length, diameter, thickness, water content, and fresh and dry weight during seed development were measured. Simultaneously, the effects of dark and light, temperature, and gibberellic acid (GA3) (0, 50, and 100 µM) on seed germination, dormancy and germination characteristics of safflower seeds were investigated. The seeds ceased to increase in length, width and thickness, reaching a mature appearance at 131 DAF, with a dry mass per seed of 0.0443 g. The water content decreased between 117 and 124 DAF, indicating an obvious process of desiccation during the final stage of seed maturation. Germination capacity is acquired at 117 DAF, as evidenced by an increase in germination and a reduction in dormant seeds, particularly at low temperatures (10°C) and with GA3 supplementation. At 131 DAF, seeds exhibited 7.9 % water content, and there was an increase in seed germination and a decrease in seed dormancy status, regardless of GA3 supplementation and temperature.
Keywords:
Carthamus tinctorius ; after-ripening; cold stratification; germination; physiological dormancy
In 24 years of studies on seed-hydration memory, the benefits promoted by cycles of hydration and dehydration in germination and the initial development of plants, such as increased tolerance to environmental stress, have been unraveled. However, little is still known about how the combination of different factors influences this memory. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydration and dehydration (HD) cycles at different temperatures on the germination and initial development of Crotalaria retusa seedlings under water deficit conditions. HD cycles were simulated as pre-germination treatments, and the seeds were subjected to 0, 1, 2, or 3 cycles at 25, 30, or 40 °C. After germination, the seedlings were subjected to 10 days of water suppression (water deficit) and 10 days of recovery. The results showed that HD cycles and temperature had a positive effect on germination, although higher temperatures and more cycles decreased germinability. Seedling growth was reduced in the combination of HD cycles, temperature, and water deficit, which can be a strategy of tolerance to water stress by plants. The passage through HD cycles promoted changes in germination and development of C. retusa, which can aid in the process of invasion of the species in arid and semi-arid environments and can bring competitive benefits in relation to native species. Overall, the study highlights the importance of HD cycles for the successful establishment of C. retusa in harsh environments.
Az apró vetővirág (Sternbergia colchiciflora Waldst. et Kit., Amaryllidaceae) szárazgyepekben előforduló, többször termő évelő lágy szárú növény. Elterjedési területének nagy részén veszélyeztetett faj, melynek életmenete és reprodukcióbiológiája kevéssé tanulmányozott. A 2020 és 2023 között végzett ex situ vizsgálat során a faj kelését tanulmányoztuk. Vetési kísérletben kerestük, milyen beavatkozásokkal fokozható a kelés sikere. A magokat részben a természetes körülményeket utánzó módon, részben különböző kezelések után vetettük el. Emellett vizsgáltuk a termésérést követő hónapokban az embrió fejlődésének dinamikáját. A kísérleteket megelőzően két alkalommal is megállapítottuk az ezermagtömeget, mely az irodalmi adatokkal jól egyezően 5,60 (2021) és 5,84 g-nak (2022) adódott. A vetési kísérletek során mérsékelt csírázási sikert tapasztaltunk: a kelési arány – kezeléstől függően – 0 és 37,5% között változott. A 2020-ban és 2021-ben gyűjtött, 2021 őszén elvetett magok csak közel másfél év elteltével kezdtek kihajtani, míg a 2022-ben, a termésérést követően rögtön elvetett magok egy része már a rákövetkező évben kikelt. A kezelt magok esetében a szkarifi káció jelentősen gyorsította a csírázást, már 10 héttel a vetést követően megjelentek az ilyen magokból származó magoncok. Az egyes kezeléseket összehasonlító kísérletben a termésérést követően azonnal elvetett, kezeletlen magok kelési sikerétől messze elmaradt a négy hónap tárolás után vetett magoké, kezeléstípustól függetlenül. Az embriófejlődés vizsgálatára beállított kísérletünkben nem tapasztaltuk a magok szkarifikációjának jelentős hatását az embrió növekedésére. Az embriók hossza a vizsgált időszakban (június és október vége között) mindvégig lassan, de közel egyenletes tempóban nőtt (a kezdetben átlagosan 1,21 mm embrióhossz a kísérlet végére 2,08 mm-re nőtt – ez a magok hosszának 48,8, illetve 72,8%-át jelentette). Az időbeli változás üteméből következtetve az embriók még nem érték el végleges méretüket, és a magok nem kezdtek el kihajtani. Az embrióvizsgálat és a kezeléseknek alávetett magok kelési dinamikája alapján a morfofiziológiai magnyugalmi típust tartjuk a legvalószínűbbnek az apró vetővirág esetében. A kísérlet folytatásának fontos eleme lesz a szerzett információkon alapuló, hatékonyabb csíráztatási módszer tervezése és próbája, illetve a magoncok túlélésének, fejlődésének vizsgálata.
Adventitious rooting of cuttings is one of the primary methods used for the vegetative propagation of forest species, playing a crucial role in both the commercial production of seedlings and the conservation of native species. This process, though essential, is highly complex and multifactorial, relying on a series of interactions between internal factors (hormonal and nutritional) and external factors (environmental conditions and management practices). Scientific literature on the subject highlights that the rooting ability of cuttings can vary significantly among species, depending on their biological characteristics and the protocols employed. This review aims to provide a detailed understanding of the main factors influencing adventitious rooting in cuttings of forest species. It addresses aspects such as the physiology of rooting, the impact of temperature, light, humidity, and substrate quality, as well as the influence of the genetic and morphological traits of the parent plant.
Biostimulants are environment-friendly agricultural inputs that can improve plant health and yield potential under environmental stressors. Soybeans subjected to extreme temperatures during the growing seasons impacts plant health and performance. Uniform emergence and vigorous seedling establishment are the two traits during the early season that directly correlate with the final yield and are sensitive to abiotic stress. This study tested the effectiveness of seed-applied biostimulants in improving seed germination and emergence traits under different temperatures, low (15 °C, LT), optimum (25 °C, OT), and high (35 °C, HT), using three phenotyping methods such as the paper roll, growth pouch, and soil-based pot culture. Germination, emergence, and seedling growth were significantly accelerated under OT and HT compared to LT in both biostimulant-treated and untreated seeds. While seeds treated with biostimulants exhibited minor differences in germination, emergence, and growth traits under LT and HT compared to the OT. In the soil-based pot culture experiment, humic and fulvic acid-containing treatments extended the time to 50% emergence under LT. This delay was associated with a 13% increase in seedling biomass. A bacillus containing biostimulant improved seedling vigor by 7% under LT compared to untreated check. Notably, biostimulants containing bacterial strains, fulvic acid, and humic acid were found to have a role in reducing time to germination or emergence and enhancing seedling growth. However, the results obtained from different phenotyping methods were inconsistent, suggesting that the effects of biostimulants on germination and growth parameters may be more targeted rather than broad-spectrum. Future research is necessary to optimize application rates and fully explore their potential to mitigate the effects of stressors during the growing season.
Hordeum spontaneum is a winter annual weed that reduces crop yields in Iran. The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the effects of burial on seed longevity and germinability and of water potential and temperature on germination. Seeds were placed in nylon‐mesh bags and buried in soil in a semi‐arid region on 1 July 2018 and exposed to natural temperature regimes. After 2 months of burial, seed viability started to decline with a slope of 0.0169%, and after 9 months all seeds were nonviable. Fresh seeds were dormant, but became non‐dormant during summer via dry after‐ripening. Thus, by late autumn (December) the seeds germinated to 100% in dark at 5 and 15°C. The base, optimum, and ceiling temperatures were 0.27, 17.5, and 25°C, respectively, at a water potential of 0 MPa. The hydrotime constant was 50.6–426.9 MPa h, base water potential −1.23 to −0.333 MPa and hydrothermal constant 1350.5 MPa °C h. These results can be used to predict timing and extent of weed emergence of H. spontaneum in crops and in planning for sustainable management strategies.
El estudio de las semillas incluye ensayos que permiten caracterizar y definir la aptitud del germoplasma para conservar o propagar especies. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes tratamientos pregerminativos sobre el porcentaje de germinación de Agave potatorum. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 5x3x2 de efectos fijos; se evaluaron cinco tratamientos pregerminativos: T1: 500 ppm de ácido giberélico (AG3); T2: 1000 ppm de AG3; T3: 50 % de inoculación de micorriza (23 esporas gramo-1) (Glomus intraradicens); T4: 100 % de micorriza (46 esporas gramo-1) y T5: testigo (agua destilada), aplicados en tres tamaños de semilla (chica, mediana y grande) y dos fechas de monitoreo: F1=10 y F2=15 días; la variable evaluada fue la germinación (GE, %). Se aplicaron pruebas de Tukey (α=0.05) cuando se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticas entre factores, niveles e interacciones. Los resultados indicaron que la germinación de A. potatorum es estadísticamente diferente entre fechas (p= 0.0004), tratamientos (p= 0.0005), pero no en tamaño de semillas (p = 0.3335). La aplicación de 500 ppm de AG3 registró una GE de 75 %. Este tratamiento pregerminativo hace más rápida la germinación, mejora la producción de plántulas y maximiza el potencial del lote de semilla. La conservación ex situ es fundamental para promover el uso sostenible y revalorizar el potencial del germoplasma, tanto en sus funciones ecológicas como productivas.
The purpose of the study is to examine the characteristics of the seed germination of some taxa from the Castanea genus grown in the conditions of the Moscow region. The objects of study were the fruits of two species of chestnuts: C. dentata and C. sativa, and their interspecific hybrid. Morphological characteristics of fruits were described visually. To measure the fruits, a 250-0.05 mm caliper was used. The fruits prepared for sowing were cleaned from the cupules and stored in the refrigerator (+5ºС), without preliminary drying. Sowing was carried out in containers at a depth of 1—2 cm, in a mixture of neutralized peat, loam soil, sand in a ratio of 3 : 2 : 1. Crops were subjected to cold stratification: containers were kept in an unheated greenhouse for 3 winter months, while they were subjected to natural temperature fluctuations, including short-term freezing of the substrate. It was established that the smallest fruits are C. “dentata” (cf. C. dentata × C. sativa) (Botanical Garden Dresden, Germany): length – 1.689±0.055 cm, diameter – 1.537±0.047 cm. Fruits of C. dentata (MBG RAS Natural Flora Exposition) have the
greatest length – 2.290 ± 0.052 cm, and the fruits of C. sativa (Tharandt Botanical Garden, Germany) have the largest diameter – 2.030 ± 0.076 cm. C. sativa seeds have the highest germination rate - 91.3%, the smallest – in C. dentata – 38.1%. Seed germination of C. “dentata” (cf. C. dentata × C. sativa) is rather high – 63.2%. Seedlings of C. dentata have reddish, thin stems; leaves of the lower formation, including 2, crescent-shaped, about 0.5 cm long, arranged alternately; the first true leaves are similar to the leaves of adult plants. On average, the growth of C. dentata seedlings (MBG RAS Natural Flora Exposition) for the first week was 2.063 ± 0.050 cm, for the second week – 9.375 ± 0.565 cm. C. sativa, C. dentata and their hybrid are promising for further seed propagation and introduction research in the conditions of central Russia.
This study is aimed to describe the features of seed germination of Acer saccharum Marshall in the Moscow region. The objects of the study are the fruits of three samples obtained from the
arboretum Mustila (seeds were collected in the USA), Minnesota arboretum (USA) and Rochester (USA) in 2018. Morphological characteristics of fruits were described visually. To measure the fruits, a caliper was used (model “ШЦ-II-250-0.05”). Seeds were sown in pots, into a mixture of neutralized peat turf, topsoil and sand in the ratio of 3:2:1, at the depth approximately equal to the thickness of the seed. Seeds were subjected to cold stratification: the pots were kept in an unheated greenhouse for 3 winter months, with the substrate being exposed to natural temperature
fluctuations, including short-term freezing. For the Mustila sample, the seeds were extracted from the mericarps. It has been shown that the smallest fruits are from the Mustila arboretum: the length and width of the nutlet are 0.787±0.025 cm and 0.565±0.018 cm respectively; the wing length and width – 1.633±0.054 cm and 0.608±0.030 cm, while they are characterized by the highest germination rate – 66.7%. Fruits from Minnesota (USA) have the largest size: the length and width
of the nutlet are 1.007±0.017 cm and 0.702±0.014 cm respectively; the wing length and width – 1.968±0.042 cm and 0.791±0.021 cm; germination rate of their seeds is
intermediate – 37.5%. The measurements of the fruits of the sample from Rochester exhibit intermediate values, whereas the germination rate is the lowest – 31,8%. The seed germination rate of Minnesota arboretum and Rochester samples is below that of seeds reported in the literature and is about 1/3 of the amount sown. The germination rate of Mustila sample is consistent with literature data. Nevertheless, seed reproduction of A. saccharum in the Moscow region can be considered
promising.
Key words: sugar maple, Acer saccharum, Sapindaceae, fruit, introduction, germination, Moscow region
Syringa reticulata is a deciduous broad-leaved tree in the Oleaceae family, valued for its ornamental and medicinal uses. This study investigated dormancy-breaking and germination characteristics in S. reticulata seeds to establish a mass propagation system. The research focused on internal and external seed characteristics, water absorption rate, alternating temperature treatments (25°C/15°C, 20°C/10°C, 15°C/6°C, and 5°C), cold stratification treatments (0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks), and growth regulator concentrations (GA3 at 0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg･L-1). The results revealed that the seed embryo was fully developed, and the water absorption rate increased by approximately 39.18% from the initial level. Germination rates were at their highest (69.2%) Notably, seeds without cold stratification exhibited the highest germination rate, indicating that cold stratification did not markedly affect S. reticulata germination. Growth regulator treatments led to higher germination percentages at 100 and 1000 mg･L-1 GA3 concentrations. These results indicate that S. reticulata seeds exhibit physiological dormancy, specifically non-deep physiological dormancy.
The research examined the soil seed bank dynamics in different land use ecosystem in Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka and Amansea. The study also went further to evaluate the seed bank richness and abundance at different soil depths to determine soil seed bank composition in abandoned farmland, Cattle grazed, watershed, and roadside ecosystems (environmental disturbance). Survey method was used to sample 600 sqm of land which was further divide into seven areas with reference to activities ranging from abandoned farmland,
moderately grazed, heavily grazed, perennial watershed, annual watershed, roadside and footpath to carry out the study. Soil samples were collected at varying depths using a soil auger for germination analysis. Results from the study showed sprouts of species from the soil seed bank which has very significant ecological importance, playing diverse roles within ecosystems. Additionally, the result identified specific species that
germinated in the different soil samples collected from the various locations. Species like C. dactylon, D.
Sanguinalis, P. maxium, B. deflexa, M. alternifolius, and S. Pumila germinated in all the soil depths of the different sites. The present findings revealed that Setaria viridis was the most abundant species that germinated across the three-soil depth of abandoned farmland site while Digitaria sanguinalis was the most abundant across the three-soil depth of footpath site. For the heavily grazed site, Setaria viridis recorded highest abundance across the three soil depth while for the moderately grazed site, Digitaria sanguinalis was the most abundant sprout at the depth of 0-5cm, Cyperus rotundus was the most abundant at the soil depth of 6-10 cm and Edrastima uniflora was the most abundant at the depth of 11-15 cm. Roadside study site revealed that Capiscum annum was the most abundant at the depth of 0-5cm, Cynodon dactylon was the most abundant at the soil depth of 6-10 cm while Aristolochia serpentaria, Cyperus rotundus and Digitaria sanguinalis were the most abundant at the depth of 11-15 cm. Overall, the moderately grazed site recorded the highest seed bank density of 26 seeds per square meters while the roadside experimental site recorded the lowest seed bank density of 2 seeds per square meters. The analysis of variance indicates that soil depth significantly accounts for the variation in seed bank density, whereas sites do not.
This paper presents data on the seed germination ecophysiology of three Arabis species endemic to Cyprus: Arabis cypria, Arabis kennedyae and Arabis purpurea. Final seed germination in the dark, as a function of temperature, presented different responses among species and among seed lots of the same species. Different degrees of seed dormancy were also identified among different seed lots. In all cases, maximum final germination was achieved between 10–20 °C. Red light irradiation is the most efficient treatment for dormancy breakage in all three species, which implies phytochrome control of seed germination. As a result, seed germination in nature is expected to take place on the soil surface and not under canopy cover. The small seed size, the light requirement for germination and the variable germination patterns among different seed lots of the three studied species imply the formation of soil seed banks, perhaps as an essential part of their survival strategy. The value of the data presented in this paper is discussed in relation to the ex-situ conservation of the studied species.
Настоящее исследование проведено с целью подбора оптимальных условий для микроразмножения растений Nepeta cataria L . (котовник кошачий), как ценного лекарственного растения. Семена подвергали поверхностной стерилизации с использованием гипохлорита натрия и инкубировали на питательной среде in vitro для прорастания. Культуры содержали при температуре 22±4 °C при 16-часовом световом периоде. В качестве питательной среды была выбрана среда Мурасиге - Скуга (МС). Всхожесть семян, выращенных в культуре invitro, составила 62,5%. Проведено микроразмножение пазушных побегов также на среде МС с различными концентрациями таких фитогормонов, как НУК и БАП. Изучено действие различных концентраций (0,5 1,0; 1,5 мг/л) цитокинина 6-бензиламинопурина (БС) и ауксина. Наиболее оптимальными сочетаниями фитогормонов для эффективного выращивания растения были соотношения НУК 1,0 мг/л и БАП 1,0 мг/л, а также НУК 1,5 мг/л и БАП 0,5 мг/л. Вариант с более высокой концентрацией БАП показал наименьшую выживаемость и количество побегов в сравнении с другими вариантами.
This study was carried out in order to select the optimal conditions for the micropropagation of Nepeta cataria L. (cat's lump), as a valuable medicinal plant. The seeds were surface sterilized using sodium hypochlorite and incubated on in vitro growth medium for germination. The cultures were kept at a temperature of 22±4°C with a 16-hour light period. Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium was chosen as a nutrient medium. Germination of seeds grown in culture in vitro was 62.5%. Conducted micropropagation of axillary shoots, also on MS medium with various concentrations of such phytohormones such as NAA and BAP. The effect of various concentrations (0.5 1.0; 1.5 mg/l) of cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and auxin was studied. The most optimal combinations of phytohormones for effective plant cultivation were the ratios of NAA 1.0 mg/l and BAP 1.0 mg/l, as well as NAA 1.5 mg/l and BAP 0.5 mg/l. The variant with a higher concentration of BAP showed the lowest survival rate and the number of shoots in comparison with other variants.
Бул изилдөө Nepeta cataria L. (мышык кесеги) өсүмдүктөрүн баалуу дарылык өсүмдүк катары микрокөбөйтүү үчүн оптималдуу шарттарды тандоо максатында жүргүзүлгөн. Үрөндөр натрий гипохлоритин колдонуу менен бети стерилденген жана өнүү үчүн in vitro өсүүчү чөйрөдө инкубацияланган. Маданияттар 22 ± 4°C температурада 16 сааттык фотопериод менен сакталган. Азыктандыруучу чөйрө катары Мурашиге Ског (MS) чөйрөсү тандалып алынган. In vitro шартында өстүрүлгөн үрөндөрдүн өнүшү 62,5% түздү. NAA жана BAP сыяктуу фитогормондордун ар кандай концентрациясы бар MS чөйрөсүндө колтук бүчүрлөрүн микрокөбөйтүү жүргүзүлгөн. Цитокинин 6-бензиламинопуриндин (БА) жана ауксиндин ар кандай концентрациясынын (0,5; 1,0; 1,5 мг/л) таасири изилденген. Өсүмдүктөрдү натыйжалуу өстүрүү үчүн фитогормондордун эң оптималдуу комбинациялары NAA 1,0 мг/л жана БАП 1,0 мг/л, ошондой эле NAA 1,5 мг/л жана BAP 0,5 мг/л болгон. BAP жогорку концентрациясы бар вариант башка варианттарга салыштырмалуу эң аз жашоо көрсөткүчүн жана бүчүрлөрдүн санын көрсөттү.
The restoration of large-scale heterogeneous landscapes is typically approached using seed-based restoration as a cost-effective means to achieve project goals and objectives. However, seeding is often met with low survival rates primarily driven by low seedling emergence and establishment. This dissertation investigates opportunities to enhance restoration focusing on 1) seed treatments, 2) plant materials, and 3) a synthesis of seeding strategies. • Fungal pathogenesis can cause high seedling mortality. Fungicide seed coatings used in the agriculture industry are novel to wildland restoration. We assess the effect a fungicide seed coating has on the recruitment of Pseudoroegneria spicata seedlings across a broad range of sagebrush-steppe sites. • Sourcing appropriate plant material for restoration seeding is fundamental to long-term restoration success. The Association of Seed Certification Agencies offers a series of certification schemes to facilitate the rapid production, procurement, and distribution of native seeds for restoration. Results from a multi-year study evaluate the recruitment success of three P. spicata germplasms. • The complexities of seed-based restoration are reviewed, exploring the interplay between native plant materials, seed enhancement technologies, and restoration outcomes. This synthesis provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge, research gaps, and avenues for future restoration research.
RESUMEN: El conocimiento ecofisiológico sobre la germinación de plantas silvestres es fundamental para entender los procesos de regeneración de las comunidades vegetales y tener éxito en proyectos de restauración ecológica y otras acciones de conservación de la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, muy poco se conoce sobre la biología de la semilla de la flora de Cuba, y en particular de los endemismos. En el presente trabajo se propone por primera vez un protocolo para mejorar la germinación y conservación de semillas de plantas nativas cubanas conforme a las tendencias actuales para el trabajo con semillas y con base a rasgos funcionales semillas de fácil obtención. El protocolo abarca etapas regenerativas relacionados con la dispersión, persistencia, germinación y establecimiento de plántulas, y consta de seis pasos: 1) caracterización morfofisiológica de las semillas; 2) determinación de requerimientos germinativos; 3) asignación de las clases de dormancia; 4) aplicación de tratamientos pregerminativos; 5) predicción de la conducta de almacenamiento de las semillas, y 6) determinación de rasgos de plántulas. La aplicación de este protocolo facilitará la propagación por semillas, la selección de especies idóneas para restaurar sitios ambientales específicos y ahorrar recursos materiales en etapas de vivero o siembra directa en campo. También con la implementación de esta metodología se lograrían estandarizar los estudios de ecofisiología de la germinación en Cuba, el Caribe Insular y en otras áreas tropicales con poca información sobre semillas de plantas silvestres. / ABSTRACT Ecophysiological knowledge about the germination of wild plants is essential to understand regeneration processes of plant communities, and to be successful in ecological restoration projects and other biodiversity conservation actions. However, very little is known about the seed biology of the flora of Cuba, and in particular about the endemic species. This paper proposes for the first time a protocol to improve the germination and conservation of Cuban native plant seeds in accordance with current trends for working with seeds and based on easily obtained functional seed traits. The protocol covers regenerative stages related to the dispersion, persistence, germination and establishment of seedlings, and consists of six steps: 1) morphophysiological characterization of the seeds; 2) determination of germination requirements; 3) identification of dormancy classes; 4) application of pregermination treatments; 5) prediction of seed storage behavior, and 6) determination of seedling traits. The application of this protocol will facilitate seed propagation, the selection of suitable species to restore specific environmental sites and save material resources in nursery stages or direct seeding in the field. Also with the implementation of this methodology, studies of germination ecophysiology in Cuba, the Insular Caribbean and in other tropical areas with little information on wild plant seeds would be standardized. Acta Botánica Cubana. Vol. 223. https://cu-id.com/2402/v223e08
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