Variation in germination character of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Leguminosae) seeds at individual tree level

To demonstrate the seed dormancy and germination characters of Robinia pseudoacacia L., an exotic tall tree species in Japan, we applied scarification, cold stratification, diurnal thermal regime, heat shock, and/or winter weathering treatments to the seeds. These characters differed markedly among three seed sources (Trees K, B, and I). Scarification revealed that most seeds from Tree K showed physical dormancy, whereas those from Tree B had no physical dormancy. The seeds from Tree I showed weak physical dormancy so that the seeds eventually germinate without any treatments as time goes by. The physical dormancy in Tree K was broken by a long, high heat shock treatment. The results imply that seeds from Tree K respond to fire in natural conditions. Seeds from Tree I responded to a wide range of thermal regimes, except for long, high heat shock. In contrast, most seeds from Tree B absorbed water during cold stratification and some germinated. However, many seeds from Tree B died in the soil during the winter, presumably because of microbial and fungal infections. Seeds from Trees I and B acquired physical dormancy by weathering during the winter, implying that seedpods that remain in the crown function as an aerial seed bank. R. pseudoacacia may be able to produce various levels in dormancy with respect to the winter condition.