Towards the construction of a seed traits database for restoration of subtropical seasonally dry ecosystems: Effects of light, temperature and seed storage on germination

Abstract

There is an increasing need to restore areas with native species, but there is scarce knowledge about their germination requirements. Understanding the conditions for producing a high number of germinated seeds and how long seeds can be stored while maintaining their viability, may determine the success of a restoration project. Here, we present a group of species from subtropical seasonally dry forests of Córdoba, and the main modulators of their germination, in order to improve restoration practices. In recently collected seeds of 36 species, we evaluated germination at four alternating temperatures (15/5, 20/10, 25/15 and 35/20 ºC) in light and darkness, to define the optimal germination conditions. Additionally, we determined the effect of different times of seed storage on germination. Twenty three species showed germination percentages higher than 60 % at least at one temperature. Temperature and light had an effect on germination of most species. Many species had optimal germination at 25/15 ºC (50 %), most were indifferent to light (84.6 %), germinated in an average of ten days (73.5 %), and maintained their germination capacity for at least a year after being stored (65 %). This work marks the beginning of the development of a database of seed traits for subtropical native species of various life forms, distinguished by being produced from experimental trials conducted for this purpose.