Germination and seed bank depletion of holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) in four microhabitat types

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sagrario Arrieta ◽  
Francisco Suárez
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Central Spain ◽  
Ilex Aquifolium ◽  
Successional Species ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Sowing Experiment ◽  
Persistent Seed Bank

The germination dynamics ofIlex aquifoliumL. were studied in central Spain using a 3-year field sowing experiment. Ten triads of bags (n= 30 seeds per bag) were buried randomly in four different microhabitats: inside the holly woodland, along the forest edge, in open grassland and under isolated shrubs. Bags were harvested annually, and seeds were analysed for seed viability, embryo development changes and germination. Holly seeds did not germinate until the second year. Embryo development and seed germination were faster at the forest edge, with a total germination proportion of 63% of sown seeds. Germination in the holly woodland (48%), under the shrubs (46%) and in grassland (46%) were very similar. Thus, recruitment ofIlexpopulations in this region is not limited by requirements for germination. After the third year, the seed bank was reduced by 80–90% of the initial seeds, so it can be considered as a short-persistent seed bank. Holly seed behaviour can enhance recruitment in semi-open areas, such as forest edges. Linked to the short persistence of its seed bank, this species can be considered an intermediate strategist between mature forest specialists and early successional species. This work contributes to a deeper knowledge of the germination ecology ofI. aquifolium, in an effort to determine the relative importance of germination/ dormancy processes within holly population dynamics.

scholarly journals Viability of recalcitrant Araucaria angustifolia seeds in storage and in a soil seed bank

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 2413-2422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezequiel Gasparin ◽  
José M. R. Faria ◽  
Anderson C. José ◽  
Olivia A. O. Tonetti ◽  
Rodrigo A. de Melo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Soil Seed Bank ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Germplasm Conservation ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Araucaria Angustifolia ◽  
Subsequent Decrease

Abstract Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze is a representative species of the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest in the Atlantic Forest Biome of Brazil. The development of a germplasm conservation protocol for long-term seed bank storage is compromised for this species, as it is sensitive to desiccation. Furthermore, in situ establishment of a soil seed bank in its natural habitat may be limited. This study evaluates the storability of two provenances of A. angustifolia seeds and their behavior in an artificial soil seed bank in two forest environments (understory and edge). Results show that both seed provenances may be stored at 5 °C for approximately 12 months, retaining high viability. The subsequent decrease in germination was associated with a reduction and an increase in seed water content, as well as with increased electrical conductivity. In the understory environment, seed viability was above 85% for the first 60 days, and at the end of the experiment (270 days), seedlings emerged. However, at the forest edge, there was a total loss of seed viability after 120 days associated with a reduction in water content and high predation. It is concluded, therefore, that short-term storage of A. angustifolia seeds is possible in a cold room, which is fundamental to supply seed demand outside the production period. Forest cover conservation is important for regeneration and conservation of the species.

Changes with time in the germination of buried scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata Mérat) seeds

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Bowes ◽  
A. G. Thomas ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
First Year ◽  
Temperature Regimes ◽  
Buried Seed ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Persistent Seed Bank

Change with time in the germination of scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata Mérat) seeds was investigated. Seeds were placed in nylon net bags, buried 7 cm deep in soil, exhumed at monthly intervals for 2 yr and allowed to germinate in temperature regimes of 10/2 °C, 20/5 °C, 25/10 °C and 35/20 °C (16/8 h), simulating temperatures found during early spring or late fall, spring or fall, summer and mid-summer on the soil surface, respectively. Exhumed and refrigerator-stored (2 °C) check seeds exhibited no yearly dormancy/nondormancy germination cycle, but mortality of buried seed increased to 36%, after 10 mo in contrast with that of the check seeds which remained low for two years. Light was required for germination during the first year but was not required for a portion of the seed during the second year. The retention of viability in buried seed explains the persistent seed bank and seedling emergence throughout the growing season when moisture and temperature are nonlimiting. Key words: Seed burial, germination, Matricaria perforata Mérat

scholarly journals Estimation of Seed Bank and Seed Viability of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence Aster, Symphyotrichum laurentianum, (Fernald) Nesom

2004 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joni F. Kemp ◽  
Christian R. Lacroix
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Status ◽  
Viable Population ◽  
Tetrazolium Staining ◽  
Persistent Seed Bank

The Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster, Symphyotrichum laurentianum, is a member of the family Asteraceae and is listed as “threatened” by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada). This rare and vulnerable halophyte grows in only a few locations in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Magdalen Islands, Quebec. As an annual, S. laurentianum relies exclusively on its seeds to survive to the next generation. The goal of this study was to estimate the quantity of viable S. laurentianum seeds in the persistent and transient seed banks at selected sites in Prince Edward Island. Overall, the number of seeds in the transient and persistent seed banks is low. The greatest concentration of seeds was found near the surface of the soil. In addition, only a small proportion of those seeds tested positive for viability based on Tetrazolium staining. Of the seeds in the persistent and transient seed banks combined, 53% were viable whereas only 2% of the seeds in the persistent seed bank were viable. Population surveys were also completed at the five known sites (both extinct and extant) in Prince Edward Island National Park. All sites showed signs of decline based on population estimates dating back to 1993. The Covehead Pond site showed the greatest decline: from 250-300 individuals in 1993 to only 10 individuals in 2002. The population at Dune Slack also showed a dramatic decrease from approximately 65 000 in 1999, to 2 200 individuals in 2002. Monitoring of this plant and the development of a management plan for the species are critical to its survival.

scholarly journals Seed germination requirements of Hypericum scruglii, an endangered medicinal plant species of Sardinia (Italy)

Botany ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
pp. 615-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Porceddu ◽  
Martina Sanna ◽  
Sara Serra ◽  
Maria Manconi ◽  
Gianluigi Bacchetta
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Base Temperature ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Endangered Medicinal Plant ◽  
High Viability ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Germination Requirements

Hypericum scruglii Bacch., Brullo & Salmeri is an endangered endemic plant of Sardinia, and the phloroglucinol compounds identified in this species have been reported to inhibit the activity of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Seed banks are a genetic repository that effectively preserve taxa of conservation interest, and they hold knowledge about the biology and germination ecophysiology of the taxa they preserve. The main goals of this study were to investigate the germination requirements for H. scruglii, to evaluate the seed viability after eight years of long-term conservation and to suggest an efficient protocol for germination. Seeds stored at –25 °C in the seed bank were tested at temperatures from 5 to 30 °C and 25/10 °C. Base temperature (Tb) and thermal time (θ50) for germination were estimated. Seeds of H. scruglii germinated over a wide range of temperatures, responding positively to high temperatures and 25/10 °C. Tb was estimated at 4.92 °C, and θ50 was estimated at 198.27 degree days. The high viability detected in seeds of H. scruglii allows us to suggest the use of seeds stored in a seed bank when fresh material for plant propagation is scarce. Our results provide new and useful baseline information for implementing conservation and multiplication strategies for this endangered medicinal plant.

scholarly journals Do applications of systemic herbicides when green fruit are present prevent seed production or viability of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard)?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Leo Roth ◽  
José Luiz C. S. Dias ◽  
Christopher Evans ◽  
Kevin Rohling ◽  
Mark Renz
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Alliaria Petiolata ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
Garlic Mustard ◽  
Viable Seed ◽  
Application Timing ◽  
Control Seed ◽  
Second Year

Garlic mustard [Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande] is a biennial invasive plant commonly found in the northeastern and midwestern United States. Although it is not recommended to apply herbicides after flowering, land managers frequently desire to conduct management during this timing. We applied glyphosate and triclopyr (3% v/v and 1% v/v using 31.8% and 39.8% acid equivalent formulations, respectively) postemergence to established, second-year A. petiolata populations at three locations when petals were dehiscing, and evaluated control, seed production and seed viability. Postemergence glyphosate applications at this timing provided 100% control of A. petiolata by 4 weeks after treatment at all locations whereas triclopyr efficacy was variable, providing 38-62% control. Seed production was only reduced at one location, with similar results regardless of treatment. Percent seed viability was also reduced, and when combined with reductions in seed production, we found a 71-99% reduction in number of viable seed produced plant-1 regardless of treatment. While applications did not eliminate viable seed production, our findings indicate that glyphosate and triclopyr applied while petals were dehiscing is a viable alternative to cutting or hand-pulling at this timing as it substantially decreased viable A. petiolata seed production. Management Implications Postemergence glyphosate and triclopyr applications in the early spring to rosettes are standard treatments used to manage A. petiolata. However, weather and other priorities limit the window for management, forcing field practitioners to utilize more labor-intensive methods such as hand-pulling. It is not known how late in the development of A. petiolata these herbicides can be applied to prevent viable seed production. Since prevention of soil seedbank replenishment is a key management factor for effective long-term control of biennial invasive species, we hypothesized late spring foliar herbicide applications to second year A. petiolata plants when flower petals were dehiscing could be an effective management tool if seed production or viability is eliminated. Our study indicated that glyphosate applications at this timing provided 100% control of A. petiolata plants by 4 weeks after treatment at all locations, whereas triclopyr efficacy was inconsistent. Although both glyphosate and triclopyr decreased viable seed production to nearly zero at one of our three study locations, the same treatments produced significant amounts of viable seed at the other two locations. Our findings suggest late spring glyphosate and triclopyr applications should not be recommended over early spring applications to rosettes for A. petiolata management, as our late spring application timing did not prevent viable seed production, and may require multiple years of implementation to eradicate populations. Nonetheless, this application timing holds value in areas devoid of desirable understory vegetation compared to no management practices or mechanical management options including hand-pulling when fruit are present, as overall viable seed production was reduced to similar levels as these treatments.

scholarly journals Morphological and anatomical comparison of mericarps from different types of umbels of Heracleum sosnowskyi / Sosnovskio barščio skirtingų tipų žiedynų merikarpių morfologinės ir anatominės sandaros palyginamoji analizė

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigita Jurkonienė ◽  
Tautvydas Žalnierius ◽  
Virgilija Gavelienė ◽  
Danguolė Švegždienė ◽  
Laurynas Šiliauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Sem Micrographs ◽  
Complete Development ◽  
Heracleum Sosnowskyi ◽  
Morphometrical Analysis ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) mericarps were collected from satellite and stem branch umbels for comparative anatomical investigation. Located near Vilnius city, the habitat of Heracleum sosnowskyi, formerly a natural forest edge has recently been densely occupied by plants of this species. SEM micrographs of abaxial and adaxial surfaces of mericarps obtained from satellite and stem branch umbels of H. sosnowskyi were similar, but morphometrical analysis revealed statistically significant differences in mericarps collected from satellite umbels, which were longer and wider than mericarps from stem branch umbels. The data on longitudinal sections of H. sosnowskyi mericarps clearly showed that embryos of satellite umbels were at later torpedo stage compared to embryos of stem branch umbels, which were at earlier heart stage. These data represent unequal development of the embryos in mericarps from different types of umbels. Such different development can be treated as an adaptation of the invasive plant to occupy the current habitat and survive in the seed bank by allowing the embryo to complete development within a seed and germinate when new conditions permit.

Mimosa diplotricha (creeping sensitive plant).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Parker
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Persistent Seed Bank

Abstract M. diplotricha (syn. M. invisa) is a small, often scrambling, neotropical shrub that has invaded many countries in the old tropics and many oceanic islands. In recent decades it has spread to new regions and has the potential to invade more tropical areas. It forms impenetrable spiny thickets that invade highly disturbed sites, but agricultural systems in particular. The shrub produces large quantities of seeds at an early age and has a persistent seed bank. It is extremely difficult to control effectively using mechanical or chemical means, however, biological control programmes have had a large degree of success.

High seed viability recorded in an endangered endemic species, 'Isoplexis isabelliana' (Scrophulariaceae), after more than 30 years of storage in a conservation seed bank

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. e69341
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel González Pérez ◽  
Nereida Cabrera-García ◽  
Isabel Cayon-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Ex Situ

Conservation seed banks are essential for ex-situ conservation of genetic biodiversity. These institutions are especially relevant for threatened species and play a vital role in their conservation by preserving genetic material. However, samples deposited in the seed banks must germinate when necessary to use them (i.e., recovery plans, etc.). This study uses four accessions of the endemic endangered species from Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands), Isoplexis isabelliana (Webb & Berthel.) Masf. (Scrophulariaceae). Germination tests were carried out to measure seed viability through time and the possible impact of seed storage on their viability. These accessions have been kept in the seed bank for four months to thirty years under different storage conditions. Germination results differed for seeds after 45 days of exposition using 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness at 17 °C. Accessions kept in the seed bank, independently of storage, showed a high germination percentage (89%). Whereas the accessions with rough storage conditions showed a 0% germination rate. The results highlighted the good state of conservation of the material deposited in the Seed Bank of the Botanical Garden "Viera y Clavijo" and the reliability of the temperature and humidity conditions in which the seeds of I. isabelliana have been stored. We consider these results as momentous since several natural populations of I. isabelliana has been affected by the last forest fire on the island.

Seasonal variation in soil seed bank size and species composition of selected habitat types in Maputaland, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. S. Kellerman ◽  
M. W. Van Rooyen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Soil Seed Bank ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Open Woodland

Seasonal variation in seed bank size and species composition of five selected habitat types within the Tembe Elephant Park. South Africa, was investigated. At three-month intervals, soil samples were randomly collected from five different habitat types: a, Licuati forest; b, Licuati thicket; c, a bare or sparsely vegetated zone surrounding the forest edge, referred to as the forest/grassland ecotone; d, grassland; and e, open woodland. Most species in the seed bank flora were either grasses, sedges, or forbs, with hardly any evidence of woody species. The Licuati forest and thicket soils produced the lowest seed densities in all seasons.  Licuati forest and grassland seed banks showed a two-fold seasonal variation in size, those of the Licuati thicket and woodland a three-fold variation in size, whereas the forest/grassland ecotone maintained a relatively large seed bank all year round. The woodland seed bank had the highest species richness, whereas the Licuati forest and thicket soils were poor in species. Generally, it was found that the greatest correspondence in species composition was between the Licuati forest and thicket, as well as the forest/grassland ecotone and grassland seed bank floras.

Seed-Mediated Gene Flow in Wheat: Seed Bank Longevity in Western Canada

Weed Science ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan L. Nielson ◽  
Marc A. McPherson ◽  
John T. O'Donovan ◽  
K. Neil Harker ◽  
Rong-Cai Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Spring Wheat ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Viable Seed ◽  
Wheat Seed

Development of genetically modified (GM) wheat has raised concerns about the movement and persistence of transgenes in agroecosystems and the ability of growers to segregate GM from conventional wheat. Wheat as a crop has been studied extensively but the population biology of volunteer wheat is not well characterized. Artificial seed bank studies were conducted in western Canada to provide baseline data on volunteer wheat seed persistence. Seed from two cultivars of Canadian western red spring wheat, ‘AC Splendor’ and ‘AC Superb’, were buried in mesh bags at three depths (0, 2, and 15 cm) in two different environments in the fall of 2003 and 2004. In addition, in 2004, ‘AC Superb’ seed were separated into small and large seed lots and buried with a medium seed lot to examine the influence of seed size on seed bank persistence. Seeds were withdrawn at intervals to assess seed germination and viability and regression analysis conducted on the viable seed at each sample period, after burial. Seed viability was variable within years and sites, and declined exponentially over time. In the spring, approximately 6 mo after initiation, viable seed ranged from 1 to 43%. With the exception of a single site and year, seeds on the soil surface persisted significantly longer than buried seeds and increasing burial depth accelerated loss of viability. The maximum viability of wheat seeds at 0, 2, and 15 cm depth in the spring following planting was 43, 7, and 2%, respectively. The extinction of viability for 99% (EX99) of the seed was estimated from regression analysis. The EX99values of seeds buried at 0, 2, and 15 cm ranged from 493 to 1,114, 319 to 654, and 175 to 352 d after planting (DAP), respectively, with the exception of one site in 2003 where burial depths were not different and all had an EX99value of 456 DAP. Seed size and cultivar did not significantly affect persistence, with the exception of one site in 2003 where the difference in EX99values was 20 DAP. The rapid loss of seed viability limits temporal gene flow via volunteers in years following a wheat crop. Results provide data on spring wheat biology to aid in Canadian environmental biosafety assessments of GM wheat and will be incorporated into a mechanistic model to predict wheat gene flow on the Canadian prairies.

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