Effects of variation in seed sources and pre-sowing treatments on seed germination of Tamarindus indica: a multi-purpose tree species in Bangladesh

We investigated the morphology and germination of Tamarindus indica seeds in order to discover the effects of variation in seed sources and pre-sowing treatments on germination. The experiment was carried out in the nursery of the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh. Seeds were collected from different but healthy trees from various locations in Bangladesh and subjected to four pre-sowing treatments, i.e., control, immersion in cold water (4°C for 24 h), immersion in hot water (80°C for 10 min) and scarification with sand paper. Seed germination was carried out in poly-bags with a mixture of topsoil and cow dung in the ratio of 3:1. The average length of the fresh seeds was 1.35±0.26 cm, their width 1.07 ±0.20 cm and thickness 0.69±0.11 cm. The results revealed that pre-sowing treatments affected the germination process of seeds, which significantly increased the germination percentage with the cold water (81.67%) and scarification with sand paper (82.33%) treatments, compared with those in the control (58.33%) and hot water treatment (59.00%). In all treatments germination started on average within 5 to 7 days after the start of the treatments and were completed from 13 to 19 days later. The greatest success in germination (82.33%) was found in scarification with sand paper, followed with 81.67% in the cold water treatment. The results of analyses of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences (p<0.05) in germination closing dates, seed germination periods and germination percentages among the treatments but no significant difference among seed sources. However, the effect of the interaction between seed source variation and pre-treatment differed significantly in seed germination closing dates and germination percentages. We recommend cold water treatment (submersion of seed at a temperature of 4°C for a 24-h period) for seed germination of T. indica in rural Bangladesh.     

Responses of germination and radicle growth of two Populus species to water potential and salinity

The effects of water potential, NaCl and Na2SO4 on germination and radicle growth of two riparian tree species, Populus euphratica Oliv. and P. pruinosa Schrenk (Salicaceae), were tested. Growth chamber studies revealed an optimum temperature range for seed germination of both species between 15-35℃. The final germination percentage of both species decreases with decreasing water potential in all types of solution applied in the experiments. P. pruinosa was less tolerant to low ψw stress than P. euphratica, especially in salt solutions. Germination percentages fell below 20% for P. pruinosa at -0.6 MPa (NaCl) or -0.4 MPa (Na2SO4) and for P. euphratica at -1.2 MPa (NaCl) or-0.6 MPa (Na2SO4). Radicle growth of both species was inhibited by high concentrations of PEQ NaCl and Na2SO4. However, growth was enhanced at -0.13 and -0.29 MPa in PEG or at -0.13 MPa in NaCl solutions compared to distilled water. Radicle growth of P. euphratica was higher than that of P. pruinosa. Germination and radicle growth of both species exhibited ion toxicity. Na2SO4 was more toxic than iso-osmotic solutions of NaCl. Radicle growth proved to be more sensitive than seed germination. Thus, flooding does not only yield the necessary soil moisture for germination but also favors seedling establishment of both species through leaching of salts from the soil surface. The different sensitivity of the species during their early growth stages might, moreover, contribute to the observed differences in their distribution in the Talim Basin (northwest China).     

利用孟加拉巴苦竹和龙竹生产竹质集成材

在孟加拉,由于木材资源持续下降,引发了对木材的替代原料的研究兴趣。竹子是一种生长快、可更新、经济实用的材料,是一种极有希望的木材代替品。选择两个当地竹种(巴苦竹和龙竹)研究生产竹质集成材的可行性。分别从巴苦竹和龙竹基部向上的5.4 m和3.6m截取一段竹秆,加工成方形竹块,以加工层积材。采用硼酸,漂白和碳化等防腐处理来处理竹片,以延长集成材的使用寿命。用处理过的竹片分别制成两种不同纹理方向(顺纹和交错纹理)的3层竹板材,其厚度为12 mm。以脲醛胶和聚醋酸乙烯酯作为胶粘剂。与交错纹理相比,用脲醛胶和聚醋酸乙烯酯胶合的顺纹层积材的机械强度(如断裂模数和弹性模数)较高。但用聚醋酸乙烯酯胶合的顺纹层积材的尺寸稳定性较弱。在这2个竹种中,龙竹制成的顺纹层积材性能较好。竹质集成材是一种中高强度的材料,可用作结构单板、组合家具构件、地板和墙板等。然而,需要进一步研究产品在使用期的稳定性和蠕变行为。     

Maximizing seed germination in two Acacia species

Revegetation of disturbed land, particularly in arid environment, is often hindered by low seedling establishment. Information on seed biology and germination cues of valuable species is lacking. We investigated seed germination of two Acacia species (Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne and Acacia oerfota (Forssk) schweinf), required for nitrogen fixation and rehabilitation of arid and semi-arid areas.(four pre-germination seed treatments were applied in order to find the best treatment in germinating acacia species. The medium was L2 and three replicates were used. Seeds pre-treated with sand paper and also with H2SO4 and then H2O2 had the highest germination percentage in both species. The lowest germination percentage resulted from soaking seeds in water for 48 h followed by soaking in H2SO4 for A. oerfota and from soaking in water for 24 h for A. tortilis. Because the use of sand paper is difficult and time consuming, we recommend pre-treatment of A. tortilis and A. oerfota seeds with H2SO4 and H2O2 before planting. Our study results are significant for conservation agencies with an interest in optimizing germination in arid zones for rehabilitation and reforestation.     

Investigation of salinity impacts on germination and growth of two forest tree species at seedling stage

Soil salinity is becoming an increasingly serious constraint to plant growth in many parts of the world;this is particularly common in semi-arid and arid zones. This study was conducted to evaluate the...     

Species-specific responses to environmental stress on germination and juvenile growth of two Bolivian Andean agroforestry species

Integrating native trees in farmland can support soil, water and biodiversity conservation. This is particularly important in regions characterized by long periods of drought and soil erosion, such as the Bolivian Andes, where agroforestry with native woody species is rarely applied. Better knowledge on the effects of environmental stress on propagation and establishment of such native plants is needed to optimize their cultivation. In our study, we tested the effects of temperature and scarification on seed germination, and assessed seedling survival and juvenile growth of two potential agroforestry species (Prosopis laevigata var. andicola, Schinus molle) under diverse soil and water conditions. Temperatures above 30 °C accelerated germination, but they increased fungi infestation in the case of S. molle. The application of acid and mechanical scarification significantly improved the germination capacity of P. laevigata var. andicola. Medium to high moisture levels in sand provided the most favourable conditions for plant growth. S. molle was more sensitive to dry and P. laevigata var. andicola more vulnerable to water-saturated clay loam. Mulching enhanced the survival and growth of S. molle juveniles, but increased P. laevigata var. andicola’s growth in sand and dry soils only. Our results may facilitate guidance on improving propagation of these two potential agroforestry species under environmental stress conditions. More generally, our study shows that easily applicable treatments, such as mulching, can significantly improve the cultivation of native species, provided that their habitat requirements and limiting factors are well known. This highlights the relevance of identifying and closing such knowledge gaps for native trees and shrubs in order to promote their potential for use in agroforestry.     

An improved tool for the fabrication of dendrometer bands to estimate growth as function of treatments in slow growing native Prosopis stands

Silvicultural research on slow growing hardwoods, especially hardwoods in semi-arid ecosystems is complicated by the slow growth rates that require long time periods to measure treatment responses. Difficulty in measuring small growth increments with traditional methods results in large measurement errors requiring many replications over long time spans. Permanently mounted dendrometers with a vernier scale can detect diameter changes of 0.25 mm (0.01 in.) and are useful tool for these applications. A tool described by Liming [Liming, F.G., 1957. Homemade dendrometers, J. For. 55, 555–577.] can be used to construct inexpensive, precise dendrometers. Unfortunately this tool is difficult to fabricate due to the very thin slots 0.254 mm (0.01 in.). Additionally, the stylus for this dendrometer is very narrow (<0.25 mm) and not very robust. We report a design for a dendrometer whose slots are five times as wide that is easier to fabricate. The stylus for the new dendrometer is machined on a lathe and is five times thicker and more robust. This paper reports the use of this dendrometer that can measure increase or decrease of 0.25 mm (0.01 in.) in diameter. When used in conjunction with sampling and regression equation development, this system measured significant treatment differences in growth for total biomass and volume in stands that only grew from 1.2 to 2.7 mm in basal diameter per year.     

Allelopathic effects of invasive Eucalyptus camaldulensis on germination and early growth of four native species in the Western Cape,South Africa

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (red river gum; Myrtaceae) is an invasive tree in riparian habitats of the Western Cape, South Africa, where it replaces indigenous vegetation and affects ecosystem functioning. These invasions lead to changes in river geomorphology and reduction in stream flow. The mechanisms that drive these effects are poorly understood. The potential for allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of E. camaldulensis tissues and of soil and litter collected beneath E. camaldulensis trees on the germination and seedling growth of four selected native plant species was investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Soils collected beneath E. camaldulensis trees were used in three treatments: untreated soils, sterilised soils and sterilised soils overlaid with a eucalypt litter layer. In addition, soils collected from underneath native species were used in two treatments: untreated soils and soils overlaid with a eucalypt litter layer. All soil treatments were watered with three E. camaldulensis leaf, bark and root aqueous treatments. Compounds present in the aqueous extracts and fresh samples were identified using gas chromatography. Soil and aqueous treatments showed varying effects on germination and seedling growth of the four native species. Germination and seedling growth of Olea europaea subsp. africana and Dimorphotheca pluvialis were significantly reduced by E. camaldulensis root and bark aqueous extracts as well as by the soils treatments. The addition of eucalypt litter to native and sterilised soils reduced shoot and root growth of all four native species. Compounds such as -phellandrene, eucalyptol, p-menth-1-en-8-ol and -pinene, which have the potential to inhibit germination and plant growth, were identified in E. camaldulensis aqueous extracts and fresh samples. Although the methods applied in this study had limitations (e.g. lack of control treatment to litter addition), the results provide an additional motivation to prioritise removal of invasive E. camaldulensis stands from riparian ecosystems. Restoration initiatives should target native species that are not negatively affected by allelopathy.     

不同处理对菘蓝种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

试验采用室内培养法,研究了不同浓度的硝酸钾(KNO3)、高锰酸钾(KMnO4)、赤霉素(GA3)、聚乙二醇(PEG)对菘蓝种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响,以探讨促进其种子萌发及幼苗生长的有效途径,为菘蓝的规模化栽培及生产提供理论依据。结果表明:与对照相比,2g/L KNO3处理的幼苗根长提高61.35%,10g/L KMnO4处理的幼苗保水力提高81.58%,3种浓度GA3处理幼苗根系活力分别提高17.88%、21.85%、13.82%,0.2g/L GA3处理使种子发芽势和发芽率分别提高38.90%、79.18%,幼苗鲜重和苗长分别提高84.38%、24.24%;3种浓度PEG处理的幼苗根系活力分别提高14.08%、19.32%、13.57%,鲜重分别提高75.00%、106.25%、87.50%,200g/L PEG、300g/L PEG处理的种子发芽率分别提高68.15%、46.93%。综上所述,以GA3溶液处理效果最好,其中,以0.2g/L GA3处理效果最佳,能显著提高种子发芽率及发芽势,促进幼苗生长。     

优良引进饲料灌木树苜蓿种子的6种催芽试验

通过对新引进的优良饲料灌木树苜蓿进行种子催芽、种子生活力鉴定和种子发芽试验,结果表明：6种催芽方法效果差异显著。其中,砂纸磨擦催芽效果最好,其次是变温处理和浓硫酸催芽,碳酸钠和洗衣粉催芽效果居中,沸水处理催芽效果最差,但所有方法的催芽率均不高,种子最高吸胀率只有58．0％。综合考虑其催芽操作难易程度、催芽效果和使用的安全、经济和可行性以及树苜蓿种子含硬实的特性,试验筛选出了碳酸钠和洗衣粉2种比较合适的树苜蓿种子催芽方法。种子生活力鉴定结果表明：种子活力达75％以上,且试验所用催芽药剂及药剂处理浓度和处理时间对种子活力没有太大影响。种子发芽率为94．5％。     

Effect of different seed treatments on dormancy breaking and germination in three species in arid and semi-arid lands

Seeds of many woody plant species have one of several types of dormancy. They do not germinate unless specific environmental signals are in place or events occur. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of scarification treatments on seed dormancy and germination of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del., Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. and Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. The following treatments were applied: T1, untreated seed (control); T2, sulphuric acid (97%) for 45 min; T3, boiling water for 5 min. The seeds were cultured on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium after sterilization. The responses of seeds to treatments were compared with each other and with the control treatment. Germination was observed daily for a 30-day period. Results indicated positive responses to treatments, while impermeable seed coats may be responsible for low germination rates in intact seeds as seen experimentally in the untreated control. The highest germination was obtained for P. juliflora and D. viscosa acid-scarified seeds (80.8%-90.8%) and for scarified seeds of A. nilotica (50.2%) boiled in water. The germination indices, i.e., final germination percentage (FG), mean daily germination (MDG) and germination rate (GR), were significantly affected by treatments and species (p<0.01).     

Water stress responses of two Mediterranean tree species influenced by native soil microorganisms and inoculation with a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium

Soil microorganisms, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), play crucial roles in plant growth, but their influence on plant water relations remains poorly explored. We studied the effects of native soil microorganisms and inoculation with the PGPR strain Aur6 of Pseudomonas fluorescens on water stress responses of seedlings of the drought-avoiding Pinus halepensis Mill. and the drought-tolerant Quercus coccifera L. Plant growth, nutrient concentrations and physiology (maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII; F(v)/F(m)), electron transport rate (ETR), stomatal conductance (g(s)) and predawn shoot water potential (Psi(PD))) were measured in well-watered plants, and in plants under moderate or severe water stress. Inoculation with PGPR and native soil microorganisms improved tree growth, and their interactions had either additive or synergistic effects. Both F(v)/F(m) and ETR were significantly affected by PGPR and native soil microorganisms. Marked differences in g(s) and Psi(PD) were found between species, confirming that they differ in mechanisms of response to water stress. A complex tree species x treatment interactive response to drought was observed. In P. halepensis, F(v)/F(m) and ETR were enhanced by PGPR and native soil microorganisms under well-watered conditions, but the effects of PGPR on Psi(PD) and g(s) were negative during a period of water stress. In Q. coccifera, F(v)/F(m) and ETR were unaffected or even reduced by inoculation under well-watered conditions, whereas Psi(PD) and g(s) were increased by PGPR during a period of water stress. Our results indicate that microbial associates of roots can significantly influence the response of tree seedlings to drought, but the magnitude and sign of this effect seems to depend on the water-use strategy of the species.     

Plant growth and metabolism of exotic and native Crotalaria species for mine land rehabilitation in the Amazon

Despite its enormous benefits, mining is responsible for intense changes to vegetation and soil properties.Thus, after extraction, it is necessary to rehabilitate the mined areas, creating better conditions for the establishment of plant species which is challenging. This study evaluated mineral and organic fertilization on the growth, and carbon and nitrogen(N) metabolism of two Crotalaria species [Crotalaria spectabilis(exotic species) and Crotalaria maypurensis(native species from Carajás Min...     

The effect of different pre-sowing seed treatments, temperature and light on the germination of five Senna species from Ethiopia

The germination requirements of five Senna species: S. bicapsularis, S. didymobotrya, S. multiglandulosa, S. occidentalis and S. septemtrionalis have been investigated. Seeds possess dormancy which is caused by their hard seed coats hampering maximum, uniform and rapid germination. To overcome this dormancy, seeds of the five species were pre-treated with (a) mechanical scarification, (b) concentrated sulphuric acid for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes and (c) boiling water for 15, 30, 45 and 60 seconds. To determine the effects of temperature on the germination of seeds, pre-treated seeds from each species were incubated at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Germination was also tested in the dark. Both acid treatment and mechanical scarification resulted in fast and uniform germination. The highest germination (95–100%) for all species was obtained from seeds treated with sulphuric acid for 60 minutes. Mechanical scarification resulted in 100% germination in all the species except S. septemtrionalis (59%). Boiling water improved germination significantly in S. didymobotrya (98%), S. occidentalis (82%) and S. septemtrionalis (97%), but had very little effect on S. multiglandulosa and reduced germination in S. bicapsularis. Senna seeds germinated over a wide range of temperatures with the optimum temperatures for germination falling around 20–25°C. Germination was either completely inhibited or very low at 10°C. Seeds of all species germinated both in light and dark conditions.     

丽水市园林绿化乡土树种开发利用探讨

介绍了丽水园林绿化乡土树种资源状况,分析了乡土树种在丽水市绿化建设中的意义及应用途径,并提出合理开发利用乡土树种的建议。为丽水园林绿化乡土树种的选择应用和深入研究提供基本资料。     

Effects of acidity and detergent on in vitro pollen germination and tube growth in forest tree species

The presence of 1 to 3 mg 1(-1) sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate detergent, or a growth medium pH of 4.0-5.0, inhibited pollen germination and pollen tube elongation more in broad-leaved trees than in conifers. In the broad-leaved species, pollen germination and pollen tube elongation showed similar sensitivities to detergent and acidity, whereas in the conifers, pollen tube elongation was more sensitive than pollen germination to detergent and acidity. Although the germination percentage was low, conifer pollen germinated in the presence of detergent concentrations up to 15 mg l(-1) and at acidities as low as pH 2.5 or 3.0. Pollen germination of most broad-leaved species was completely inhibited in the presence of detergent concentrations of more than 3-5 mg l(-1); the only exceptions were some entomophilous species (e.g., Salix caprea L.) in which the ability of the pollen to germinate in high pollutant concentrations could be related to the presence of tryphyne.     

Effects of phosphorous fertilizer on seedlings growth and nodulation capabilities of some popular agroforestry tree species of Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Phosphorous （P） fertilizer （i.e. TSP or triple super phosphate @ 80 kg/hm^2） on seedling growth and nodulation capabilities of three potentially important agroforestry tree species （Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbeck and Albizia procera） of Bangladesh. The study was conducted in nursery beds with six-month-old polybag seedlings ofA. auriculiformis, A. lebbeck and A. procera. The effects of P fertilizer on seedling growth and nodulation were compared with that of the seedlings grown in control （i.e. unfertilized soil）. The observations revealed that the seedling growth was enhanced significantly with the application of P fertilizer. The growth was found more pronounced in A. auriculiformis, whereas it was not apparent and shows depressed growth in case ofA. lebbeck. The study also suggests that the nodulation in terms of nodule number and size was also increased significantly with the application of P fertilizer.     

Early growth of six native Australian tree species in windbreaks and their effect on potato growth in tropical northern Australia

A study to examine the early growth of a number of tree species planted in windbreaks and to quantify the benefit of two 30-month-old windbreaks (one with two rows of trees and one with three rows of trees) to the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted on a farm land in tropical north-eastern Australia. Three Eucalyptus (E. microcorys F. Muell, E. tessellaris F. Muell and E. torelliana F. Muell), two Callistemon (C. salignus Smith and C. viminallis Smith) and two Melaleuca species (M. armillaris Smith and M. linariifolia Smith) were used to form the windbreaks. Tree performance in the windbreaks was evaluated based on the measurements of height, height to the lowest branch, crown length along the row, and number of branches per plant. Potato vegetative growth including plant height, crown size, and leaf length, width (measured at the widest part of the leaf), and number per plant, was measured at ages 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks.E. microcorys and E. torelliana, showed rapid height and branch growth while retaining low branches and are considered highly suitable for windbreaks. The porosity of the three row and two row windbreaks were 37.2% and 60% respectively at age 30 months. The windbreaks increased potato plant growth in height and leaf number with vegetative plants being tallest at 3 h from the windbreaks. However, the windbreaks had limited effects on leaf length and width. It was found that potato plants grown close to windbreaks yielded more potatoes than those grown at the furthest positions, with the highest production at 3 h. Overall, the windbreaks studied increased potato yield by up to 7.7%.