Michael Just, Bradley Albert, Simone Pedrini, Shane Turner, Kingsley Dixon
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study investigates the germination requirements of 12 plant species native to the Argyle region of the east Kimberley, a biodiverse monsoonal tropical region characterized by high temperatures, high evaporation, and episodic seasonal rainfall. The research involved quality assessment of mature seeds, followed by dormancy alleviation and laboratory‐based germination to determine the responses of seeds to a range of temperatures (5–40°C) in terms of germination speed (T10), mean germination time, and maximum germination proportion. Data were then modeled to calculate the optimal temperature to support germination for each species. The results showed that germination rapidly commences in response to a wide range of temperatures typical of the wet season (November–February) in the east Kimberley, though germination for most species was still high (>50%) after exposure to temperatures as low as 15°C. Mean optimal temperature for germination across all species was 25.8 ± 1.5°C, with minimal variation between most species, the exception being Dodonaea physocarpa, which preferred cooler temperatures (Topt = 14.0°C). The speed of germination was also rapid (T10 = 1–3 days) across all species at the optimal germination temperature. The findings suggest that temperature is not a limiting factor for germination in this region and that the onset and intensity of the wet season are the most significant factors determining successful germination, emergence, and seedling establishment. The study underscores the importance of species‐specific understanding of environmental temperatures required for seed germination in seed‐based restoration efforts and informs the planning of direct seeding works, thus enhancing restoration outcomes.
期刊介绍:
Restoration Ecology fosters the exchange of ideas among the many disciplines involved with ecological restoration. Addressing global concerns and communicating them to the international research community and restoration practitioners, the journal is at the forefront of a vital new direction in science, ecology, and policy. Original papers describe experimental, observational, and theoretical studies on terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems, and are considered without taxonomic bias. Contributions span the natural sciences, including ecological and biological aspects, as well as the restoration of soil, air and water when set in an ecological context; and the social sciences, including cultural, philosophical, political, educational, economic and historical aspects. Edited by a distinguished panel, the journal continues to be a major conduit for researchers to publish their findings in the fight to not only halt ecological damage, but also to ultimately reverse it.