Breaking seed dormancy in Cupressus atlantica Gaussen, an endemic and threatened coniferous tree in Morocco

Cupressus atlantica Gaussen (Cupressaceae) is an endemic and endangered coniferous tree geographically restricted to the N’Fis valley in South-Western Morocco. Like many forest species, C. atlantica exhibits dormancy which delays and reduces germination. To improveseed germination, different pre-treatments were conducted on C.atlantica seeds after storage for different periods (one, two and five years) including: scarification with sandy paper; soaking seeds in hot distilled water at 60℃and 80℃for 15 min and soaking seeds for 48 h in agibberellic acid (GA3) at 1,000 and 2,000 mg·L-1. Results showed that scarification with sandy paper increased the germination rate of Atlas cypress by up to 67%, indicating that the species possess essentially anexogenous dormancy (physical dormancy) due to the hard seed coat(hardseededness). Exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA3) at1,000 mg·L-1 was also effective in breaking seed dormancy and germination induction. These two treatments induced faster speed germination expressed by low number of days to first germination (8 10days) and low values of mean germination times (MGT). However,germination rate, under any treatment, is greatly dependent on the year of seed collection. Seeds collected in year 2004 gave the highest value,suggesting that even after five years of storage, the germination capacity of C. atlantica seeds could remain high. This observation is very interesting in the exsitu conservation of such endemic and endangered species where the production of seeds is irregular over the years.     

天女木兰小孢子发生及雄配子体发育的观察

天女木兰是珍稀濒危植物,为给其有效保护措施的制定提供参考,从小孢子发生和雄配子体的发育角度探讨天女木兰濒危原因。研究结果表明,天女木兰花药具有4个小孢子囊,花药壁5～8层。四分体排列方式为平面对称型、四面体型和直线型,其中直线型较少;成熟花粉粒为二细胞型花粉粒;能育花粉率最高达84.9%。通过对天女木兰小孢子发育过程的研究发现,四分体时期有2种不正常类型,说明天女木兰小孢子发育过程中存在异常现象,这是导致天女木兰濒危的原因之一,但不是主要原因。     

Variation of seed mass and its effects on germination in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polylepis australis</Emphasis>: implications for seed collection

South American Polylepis mountain forests are recognised as being one of the most endangered forest ecosystems in the world. Reforestation measures have been strongly recommended but may be hampered due to the very low seed germination reported for several Polylepis species. In order to facilitate reforestation we analysed the influence of seed mass on germination probability for Polylepis australis seeds in the Córdoba mountains (central Argentina). We collected seeds from 43 trees distributed throughout five woodland fragments located within two regions differing in size, topographical position, and altitude (1,900 m a.s.l. and 2,200 m a.s.l.). Seeds of Polylepis australis exhibited a great variation in terms of mass and percent seed germination among individual trees and among geographical regions. The results of logistic regression showed that germination probability was highly correlated with seed mass. However, the explained deviance significantly increased by including the region, the woodland fragment and especially the individual tree in addition to seed mass in the regression models. We conclude that selecting seeds on the basis of mass is an appropriate way to enhance germination prospects for reforestation projects. However, no absolute mass values are applicable in this context as the highest germination probabilities were reached at varying seed mass values depending on geographical region, woodland fragment or individual tree. We suggest collecting the relatively heaviest available seeds, even though the absolute seed mass may be low.     

濒危树种极东锦鸡儿(Caragana fruticosa)种子的萌发特性

以濒危树种极东锦鸡儿成熟种子为材料,研究极东锦鸡儿种子物理性状和温度对其种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明:极东锦鸡儿种荚结实率较低,且约有1/4种子受虫害;成熟种子含水量为6.6%,千粒重18.6 g。种子长、宽和厚存在一定变异。种子长度平均为0.42 cm,宽度平均为0.27 cm,厚度平均为0.24 cm,长宽比为0.64。种皮透水性良好。不同温度条件对种子发芽率具有极显著影响。25℃条件下种子发芽率最高,为38.33%。随着温度的升高或降低,种子发芽率降低。发芽试验的第八天是计算种子发芽势的适宜时期。不同温度条件对极东锦鸡儿幼苗高度的影响极显著,对胚根长度影响显著。25℃有利于幼苗高度和胚根长度的增加,较高温度(30℃)有利于幼苗生物量增加。     

天目木兰的引种驯化研究

天目木兰为木兰科木兰属落叶乔木,渐危种,庐山植物园于1964年由浙江天目山引入,2001年开始开花结果,2005年采得种子850粒。我们用5种种子处理方式进行播种试验,结果表明,当年采集去除种皮后播种的种子萌芽率较高,可达61%,且生长整齐,保留种皮的萌芽率也能达到38%;自然条件下干藏的种子第二年播种,播种前经过浸种处理的萌芽率为21.2%,但生长不整齐,不经过浸种处理直接播种的萌芽率只有6%;经过沙藏层积处理后播种的种子萌芽率最高,可达75%。1年生苗平均高度9.9cm,平均根长10.2cm,平均侧根17级,苗木生长健壮,可在室外正常越冬、度夏。     

植物种子际微生物研究进展

很多林木种子存在难萌发、天然更新不良的现象,而种子际是直接影响种子萌发的土壤区域,种子际微生物会对天然更新的植物产生有益或有害的影响,并对解释根际微生物群落的建立具有重要的意义.文中主要从种子际微生物多样性、对种子和幼苗生长发育的影响、种子际微生物群落变化的影响因素以及种子际微生物的自身调节行为等4方面来概述种子际微生...     

The Role of the White-Winged Guan (Penelope albipennis) in Seed Dispersal and Predation in Tumbesian Dry Forest,Peru

The white-winged guan (Penelope albipennis, Cracidae), thought extinct until 1979, today numbers <300 individuals. We investigated the role of the guans in seed dispersal and predation dynamics by recording seed germination from fecal samples of wild birds during the dry-season (May–December 2010). This study was conducted at Chaparri Ecological Preserve, in the critically endangered Tumbesian ecosystem on the western slope of the Andes. Field observations show that this bird is a frugivore; Cordia lutea (Boraginaceae) was the primary fruit consumed of the eight species of seeds collected from droppings. Collected seeds were sown in pots under nursery conditions and monitored for germination. Germination rates of passed seeds for Cordia lutea were compared to those that had been collected from a control group of trees. Germination was significantly different between fecal and control seeds, suggesting the plant germinated better after passing through the guans alimentary tract. The identification of flower structures, and digested seeds in feces show that guans can be effective fruit and flower predators. This study provides further information regarding the diet for conservation of the white-winged guan and suggests the bird may aid seed germination in some instances and may act as a predator in others.     

Effect of the seeds provenance and treatment on the germination rate and plants growth of four forest trees species of C?te d'Ivoire

The rapid rate of deforestation in Cote d'Ivoire has led to loss of plant species diversity and also threatens some commercial tree species with extinction.Some reforestation and afforestation has been completed.However,for some species,the numbers of surviving transplants has declined.Hence,it is necessary to develop properly adapted and resilient genotypes that can effectively support the programs of forest restoration.In this context we evaluated the effects of the provenances of seeds and of various treatments on the germination rates and on plant growth of four commercial trees species(Pycnanthus angolensis,Terminalia superba,Mansonia altissima and Pterygota macrocarpa).We analyzed these parameters for seeds of three provenances(Daloa,Akoupe and Daoukro) of four species and for thirty plants aged 6 months per provenance.Time to begin germination and time to reach maximum germination were similar among species,and were not influenced by either treatment or provenance.Untreated seeds and those soaked for 24 and 48 h in water at room temperature yielded the highest germination rates,irrespective of species or provenance.The one exception was P.angolensis, for which no germination was recorded.Within species,some provenances produced higher germination percentages than did others.No clear relationship was computed between the germination rate and the morphometric characteristics of the seeds which varied significantly between provenances.Plant growth and morphological variability also depended greatly on provenance.Genetic factors might be implicated,therefore provenance trials should be undertaken and evaluated.Furthermore,molecular analysis should be undertaken to confirm the implications of genetic factors and allow for genetic selection.     

In vitro germination and shoot proliferation of the threatened species Cinchona officinalis L(Rubiaceae)

Cinchona officinalis(Rubiaceae) is an endemic species of the Loja Valley in southern Ecuador with medicinal uses. Because of over-exploitation in the nineteenth century and more recent disturbances to its ecosystem, C. officinalis populations are threatened. Currently,natural regeneration of the populations is low, despite its high plant regeneration and seed formation capacity. In the present study, an efficient protocol for germination, shoot proliferation and plantlets regeneration was developed for this species. Phenolic content and germination rate of C.officinalis seeds were compared with a control species, C.pubescens. Nodal segments from seedlings of C. officinalis were cultured on Gamborg medium supplemented with different combinations of plant growth regulators. Because the phenol content is high in C. officinalis, the phenolic should be removed with hydrogen peroxide or water washes to stimulate germination. Shoots and callus developed from nodal segments within 45 days using most of the tested combinations of plant growth regulators. The best rates of shoot proliferation, callus formation and adventitious buds were obtained in medium supplemented with 5.0 mg L~(-1) 6-benzyl-aminopurine and 3.0 mg L~(-1) indole-3-butyric acid.     

动物取食和扩散森林植物种实研究进展

动物取食扩散森林植物种实作为森林生态系统中植物和动物联系的-个重要方面, 不仅是联系母株与其子代幼苗的重要桥梁, 也是植物生活史中的-个重要阶段。文中综述了近年来关于动物取食森林植物种实及其与这些植物种子散布、萌发、幼苗生长和种群扩展等方面关系的研究成果。动物在取食和破坏森林植物种实的同时也将这些植物的种子扩散到-个新的生境斑块, 其消化道机械的或化学的作用提高了这些森林植物的种子萌发率和萌发进程, 促进了其早期定居和种群扩大。动物对森林植物的这种作用具有长期性, 形成特定动植物间或多物种间的协同进化。近年来, 森林生态系统受到了严重的干扰和破坏, 可能会因为干扰了森林植物种实的动物散布者而影响森林植物种群的扩展。     

天然水杉林的群落分类及演替动态

水杉为我国一级保护的珍贵树种,具有重要的科研价值和应用价值。由于人类过度开发,天然水杉林生境退化严重,自然更新不良。笔者应用Braun-Blanquet的植被社会学研究方法对湖北利川钢厂湾、邓家湾、游家湾3处的天然水杉林进行群落学调查,结果表明:钢厂湾的水杉样地群落类型为水杉-尾叶山茶-日本金星蕨群落,共有植物种类约78种;邓家湾的水杉样地群落类型为水杉-桂竹-黄金凤群落,共有植物种类约81种;游家湾的水杉样地群落类型为水杉-微毛柃-大叶金腰群落,共有植物种类约58种。经过20a的演替,天然水杉林各层的盖度都逐渐增加。在种类组成上,乔木层阳性树种减少,灌木层和草本层种类组成变化不大。     

Reproductive biology of the critically endangered tropical tree Talbotiella gentii

Talbotiella gentii is a critically endangered caesalpiniaceous legume endemic to Ghana, restricted in distribution to the margins of the forest zone where there has been extensive fire damage in recent decades. It occurs as isolated, near-monospecific populations, some of which show little seedling regeneration. We studied its reproduction to determine limitations that might inform efforts to prevent its extinction. We report on flowering phenology, pollen dispersal and germination, fruit and seed set, seed size and germination, and seedling survival, using controlled and open pollination. Talbotiella gentii flowers profusely in most years. Although the flowers are coloured and scented, no animal pollinators were observed but pollen can be dispersed by wind. In open pollination, the number of pollen grains on stigmas and their germination was sufficient to fertilise the three ovules, despite competition from heavy stigmatic infestation by fungal spores and hyphae. Fruit set and seed set were low due to high flower losses and fruit abortion during development but ripe seeds showed high germination. Controlled pollination experiments (self, supplemented self, and intra- and inter-population crosses) showed that, while the species is self-compatible, selfing was the least successful treatment in all of the above steps of reproduction, whereas cross-pollination enhanced most steps, the more so for inter-population crosses. Seed size was notably greater in inter-population crosses and was positively correlated with genetic distance of the cross. The larger seeds associated with cross-pollination showed higher germination and seedling survival in the nursery. We conclude that limitations to natural reproduction in T. gentii are principally due to processes between pollen germination and fruit and seed set, including pollen quality (low genetic diversity and inbreeding), fertilisation rates, flower and fruit abortion, and resource limitation. Low seed size in open and self pollination may have implications for seedling establishment. Species fitness might be improved by introducing other genotypes to existing populations, but in situ protection of the populations is essential in the medium term.     

毛蕊三角车种群生物学特性及濒危原因分析

2010～2011年在濒危植物毛蕊三角车的主要分布地金沙江支流普渡河区域进行4次野外调查,结果表明,毛蕊三角车在该区域现存数量约150株,能正常开花结实,结实率为50.6%;花期4～11月,果期6～11月;种子表面平滑,单粒重0.015 2 g,以重力方式传播为主,传播距离在1 m范围内;毛蕊三角车实生苗稀少,主要以根蘖方式繁殖。濒危原因分析表明,古南大陆的残余性质,是毛蕊三角车现代分布区孤立狭窄的重要原因;而严重的人为干扰使其生存环境旱生化,以及生境的大量丧失,是造成毛蕊三角车濒危的主要外因;同时,植株开花结实量少,种子少,胚珠-种子转化率低于60%,以及种子散布方式的局限性是导致其居群孤立、濒危的内在原因。     

辐照剂量对棕榈藤种子萌发和苗木生长的影响

为确定棕榈藤的适合辐照剂量域值,以黄藤、单叶省藤、杖藤和小钩叶藤4种棕榈藤为研究对象,以种子为辐照材料,以⁶⁰CO-γ为辐射源,研究辐照剂量对4种棕榈藤种子萌发和苗木生长的影响。结果表明:以5 gy/min为剂量率、50 gy为辐照剂量步长上升时,在0~100 gy辐照剂量内,黄藤、单叶省藤、杖藤、小钩叶藤种子发芽率、茎长、根长和植株总长均随着辐照剂量的上升而呈一般显著、显著或极显著下降;当辐照剂量超过100 gy时,4个藤种的发芽率均降为0,即种子全部失活。以辐照剂量为自变量x、发芽率为因变量y拟合的一元回归方程计算表明,黄藤、单叶省藤、杖藤和小钩叶藤种子的半致死剂量分别为53.94、28.01、58.34和75 gy。研究结果显示,辐照剂量对棕榈藤的种子萌发和苗木生长具有抑制作用,其辐照剂量范围为50~100 gy。通过辐照培育高产棕榈藤品种难度较大,辐照可能更加适合以其他性状为目标的棕榈藤育种。     

Comparison of light-regulated seed germination in Ficus spp. and Cecropia obtusifolia: ecological implications

The major components of annual seed deposition in the rain forest at Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México are seeds of the pioneer tree species Cecropia obtusifolia and those of some species of Ficus. Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol. forms a relatively persistent viable soil seed bank, whereas seeds of Ficus are seldom found in the soil. Both genera require light for seed germination; however, the species differ in their germination responses to far red (FR) light under laboratory and field conditions. Seeds of C. obtusifolia did not germinate in low red/far red (R/FR) or pure FR, whereas seeds of the Ficus species did. This suggests that Ficus seeds do not become dormant under the light conditions (low R/FR ratio) beneath the leaf canopy of the rain forest. This difference may explain why the species differ in their presence in the soil seed bank.     

Colonization of fleshy-fruited plants beneath perch plant species that bear fleshy fruit

We evaluated the contribution of seed dispersal by birds to the colonization of fleshy-fruited plants beneath plants that bear fleshy fruits and were used as perches by birds. Specifically, we investigated the composition of seeds and saplings sampled beneath nine fleshy-fruited perch plant species in a Pinus thunbergii stand on a coastal sand dune in central Japan. Both the numbers and the species numbers of bird-dispersed (pulpless) seeds differed significantly among the perch plant species. Nevertheless, the quantitative compositions of bird-dispersed seeds were similar among the perch plant species because of the significant positive interspecific correlations of species rank order in numbers of bird-dispersed seeds per species. Similar relationships were also found for saplings. For each perch plant species, the numbers of fallen conspecific seeds were significantly higher than or not different from those of heterospecific seeds. Furthermore, the numbers of pulpy seeds that fell directly from the perch plant were significantly higher than those of bird-dispersed conspecific seeds for seven of nine perch plant species. However, the densities of conspecific saplings were significantly lower than those of heterospecific saplings. Most pulpy seeds, therefore, probably do not germinate beneath their mother plants, and conspecific seeds probably accumulate in seed banks or are consumed by herbivores.     

Effects of fire on germination of Pterocarpus angolensis

Pterocarpus angolensis (Fabaceae) is a leguminous tree species of the miombo region of sub-Saharan Africa that is highly prized for its wood value. We use both experimental exposure to fire, as well as classification of field burned seeds, to predict germination rates in seeds from both husked and unhusked fruits. We find that seed germination and seed persistence in unhusked fruits are maximized by moderate exposure to fire. Germinating seeds had heavier fruit and seeds than those that did not. Finally, seeds without husks persisted in the soil yet continued to germinate even after 18 months in wet soil, indicating potentially long soil longevity. Using these results, we support an intermediate fire exposure model wherein repeated moderate exposure to fire enhances the capability of seeds to emerge from fruits. Seeds from unburned and unhusked fruits were never observed to germinate and had poorer soil longevity than those exposed to moderate fire. Similarly, extreme exposure to fire resulted in poor seed germination rates, often as a consequence of direct fire mortality of seeds. We suggest that early burning resulting in cool fires may augment germination and recruitment in wild populations.     

Enhancement of Seed Germination in Trema orientalis (L.) Blume—Potential Plant Species in Revegetation of Mine Wastelands

Natural forest succession takes a long time to accumulate sufficient nutrients to support plant growth and enhance soil microbial activity. Human intervention in selecting native pioneer plant species is therefore required to accelerate sustainable restoration. Trema orientalis (L.) Blume, a fast growing pioneer plant species, has the ability to grow in nutrient deficient soils and proves to have reclamation potential in mine wastelands. However, its use has been limited due to low germination percentages and nonsynchronous seed germination. In the present study we tested the effect of sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), hydrochloric acid (HCl), gibberellic acid (GA₃), and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) in varying concentrations and time durations on germination percentages and seed germination synchrony. We found that all treatments had a significant effect in predicting seed germination probabilities. Logistic regression analysis revealed that treatment solution and concentration had a significant effect on seed germination. Treatment with concentrated H₂SO₄ for 15 min increased germination up to 92% within 20 days with the least imbibition time (8 days) and highest Seedling Vigor Index (491). The scanning electron microscope images of seeds treated with H₂SO₄ showed complete dissolution of the honeycomb-like network of deposits on the seed coat surface removing the physical barrier and enhancing germination.     

Genetic control of germination and the effects of accelerated aging in mountain hemlock seeds and its relevance to gene conservation

Genetic control of germination parameters and the effects of accelerated aging in mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana [Bong.] Carr.) seeds were investigated using standard germination tests and simulated aging, respectively. Germination parameters were studied on seeds collected from individual trees from two natural populations (Sooke and San Juan) located on southern Vancouver Island, BC. Strong genetic control was confirmed by the high heritability estimates that ranged from 0.35 to 0.82 (stratified) and from 0.58 to 0.73 (unstratified) for Sooke and from 0.30 to 0.85 (stratified) and from 0.45 to 0.84 (unstratified) for San Juan. Simulated aging was conducted on eight seedlots collected from natural stands representing the species distribution in British Columbia. Stratified and unstratified seeds were aged at 100% RH and 37.5°C for 0 to 21 days at 3-day intervals. Seed aging accounted for the majority of variation which ranged from 97.61% to 99.86% of the total variation observed. Gradual loss of seed viability was observed over the aging treatments with a total loss of viability after aging for 12 days. Differential losses in viability among seedlots were maximum after aging for 6 days. Results are discussed in terms of the impact of long-term storage and the reliance on seed banks for ex-situ conservation of this species.     

Characteristics of soil seed bank in plantation forest in the rocky mountain region of Beijing, China

We investigated characteristics (scales and composition) of soil seed banks at eight study sites in the rocky mountain region of Beijing by seed identification and germination monitoring. We also surveyed the vegetation communities at the eight study sites to explore the role of soil seed banks in vegetation restoration. The storage capacity of soil seed banks at the eight sites ranked from 766.26 to 2461.92 seeds·m -2 . A total of 23 plant species were found in soil seed banks, of which 63 80% of seeds were herbs in various soil layers and 60% of seeds were located in the soil layer at 0 5cm depth. Biodiversity indices indicated clear differences in species diversity of soil seed banks among different plant communities. The species composition of aboveground vegetation showed low similarity with that based on soil seed banks. In the above- ground plant community, the afforestation tree species showed high importance values. The plant species originating from soil seed banks represented natural regeneration, which also showed relatively high importance values. This study suggests that in the rocky mountain region of Beijing the soil seed banks played a key role in the transformation from pure plantation forest to near-natural forest, promoting natural ecological processes, and the role of the seed banks in vegetation restoration was important to the improvement of ecological restoration methods.