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Authors:
Stuart Hall
Publication Date:
2019
Abstract/Summary:
Invasive alien plants impact ecosystems, which often necessitates their removal. Where indigenous species recovery fails following removal alone, active seed reintroduction of native species may be needed. This study investigated the potential for combined smoke and heat pre‐treatment of seeds in breaking dormancy and facilitating increased germination. Selected species represent different functional types in the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos; a fire‐prone, critically endangered vegetation type in South Africa. Seeds were exposed to either a heat pulse (temperatures between 60 and 300°C for durations between 30 s and 20 min) or dry after‐ripening (1 or 2 months at milder temperatures of 45°C or less). Thereafter, seeds were soaked in smoke solution for 18 h and subsequently placed on agar at 10/20°C for germination. Most species fell into one of two main groups: Seed germination in the first group was greatest following a lower temperature (60°C) heat pulse, an extended period of mild temperatures (20/40°C or 45°C) exposure, or no pre‐treatment with heat. Seed germination in the second group was promoted after brief exposure to higher (100°C) temperatures. No germination occurred in any species following heat treatments of 150°C or higher. Species that responded better to higher temperatures were mainly those possessing physical dormancy, but seed morphology did not correlate with germination success. This study showed that heat stimulation of seeds is more widespread in fynbos plant families than previously known and will enable development of better seed pre‐treatment protocols before large‐scale sowing as an active restoration treatment after alien plant clearing.
Resource Type:
Audio/Video, Conference Presentation, SER2019
Pre-approved for CECs under SER's CERP program
Source:
Society for Ecological Restoration