Shane R Turner, Simone Pedrini, Michael Just, Damian Grose, David Willyams, Kingsley W Dixon
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In this study, we focused on understanding key storage traits of seeds from Macrozamia fraseri, an unusual though important species that is impacted by mining. To support current restoration activities, large amounts of seed from M. fraseri have been regularly collected and stored for up to 8 years under standard seed banking conditions (5°C and 20% relative humidity), though in situ recruitment from directly sown seed is poor. To investigate the underlying constraints to germination on demand, we set out to assess the viability of M. fraseri seeds that had been stored in a restoration seed bank from 6 to 66 months. Seed moisture content (MC) (fresh weight basis) was also determined for seeds with different storage histories to ascertain whether M. fraseri seeds display traits (i.e. high MC) that might suggest non-orthodox seed storage behaviour. The youngest seed accession (6 months old) was found to have a high MC (45.8 ± 5.4%—fresh weight basis), and >50% viability. In comparison, older (>30 months old) accessions were observed to have a marked reduction in both seed MC (10–35% MC) and viability (0–29.4%). While preliminary, we conclude that M. fraseri seeds appear to lose viability during conventional storage with younger accessions displaying both a higher seed MC and viability, compared to accessions stored for longer. Given the significance of these results, future research activities are recommended to better understand the interplay between seed MC and storage environment and how this relates to the seasonally dry Mediterranean climate where this species naturally occurs. As well, storage and propagation approaches are proposed to increase success when using M. fraseri for conservation and restorative activities.
在这项研究中,我们重点了解了Macrozamia fraseri种子的关键贮藏特性,Macrozamia fraseri是受采矿影响的一个不寻常的重要物种。为了支持当前的恢复活动,我们定期收集了大量的Macrozamia fraseri种子,并在标准种子储藏条件(5°C和20%的相对湿度)下储藏长达8年之久,但直接播种的种子原地萌发率很低。为了研究按需萌发的基本制约因素,我们开始评估在修复种子库中储存了 6 到 66 个月的 M. fraseri 种子的存活率。我们还测定了不同贮藏历史的种子的含水量(MC)(鲜重),以确定 M. fraseri 种子是否显示出可能表明种子贮藏行为不合常规的特征(即高 MC)。结果发现,最年轻的种子品种(6 个月大)具有较高的 MC 值(45.8 ± 5.4% - 鲜重)和 50% 的存活率。相比之下,较老的(30 个月大)品种的种子 MC 值(10-35% MC 值)和存活率(0-29.4%)都明显下降。虽然是初步结果,但我们得出的结论是,M. fraseri 种子在常规储藏过程中似乎会失去活力,与储藏时间较长的品种相比,储藏时间较短的品种种子 MC 和活力都较高。鉴于这些结果的重要性,建议今后开展研究活动,以更好地了解种子 MC 与储藏环境之间的相互作用,以及这与该物种自然生长的季节性干燥地中海气候之间的关系。此外,还提出了一些贮藏和繁殖方法,以提高将 M. fraseri 用于保护和恢复活动的成功率。
期刊介绍:
Conservation Physiology is an online only, fully open access journal published on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.
Biodiversity across the globe faces a growing number of threats associated with human activities. Conservation Physiology will publish research on all taxa (microbes, plants and animals) focused on understanding and predicting how organisms, populations, ecosystems and natural resources respond to environmental change and stressors. Physiology is considered in the broadest possible terms to include functional and mechanistic responses at all scales. We also welcome research towards developing and refining strategies to rebuild populations, restore ecosystems, inform conservation policy, and manage living resources. We define conservation physiology broadly and encourage potential authors to contact the editorial team if they have any questions regarding the remit of the journal.