Seed Treatment Optimizes Benefits of Seed Bank Storage for Restoration‐Ready Seeds: The Feasibility of Prestorage Dormancy Alleviation for Mine‐Site Revegetation

Abstract

Dormant seeds of 18 species from 9 families covering a diverse range of seed dormancy syndromes and life histories from the southwest Australian biodiversity hotspot were assessed for germinability following storage at 15–25°C for 36 months. A total of 10 species with physical dormancy (PY) and 8 with either physiological dormancy (PD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) were assessed as part of the study. Prior to storage, germination from dormant seeds was 1–27%, rising to 41–100% following specific dormancy‐breaking treatments. When seed dormancy was removed prior to storage for 36 months seeds from all species were found to maintain a nondormant state and germinate to a similar level to that observed at the beginning of the experiment (44–100%). Likewise, seeds that did not receive a prestorage dormancy‐breaking treatment maintained a dormant state (0–50% germination) and subsequently responded well to a dormancy‐breaking treatment immediately prior to germination assessment (49–99%). There were minimal differences in response to dormancy‐breaking treatments before and after 36 months storage (average 4–6% difference) and in the germination responses observed between both storage environments assessed (15°C/15% eRH or 15–25°C air dried). Based on these findings, storing seeds in a nondormant state does not alter germinability and this approach provides significant benefits to current seed‐based restoration programs through reduction of double handling and improved seed use efficiency.

Influence of different storage conditions on quality characteristics of seed material from semi‐natural grassland

“…(), Budelsky and Galatowitsch () and Turner et al . (). Before the harvested material was stored, seed samples (of each 5 g per harvesting method and replication) were separated in the laboratory under a microscope.…”

Emerging seed enhancement technologies for overcoming barriers to restoration

“…Some of the materials being applied through these technologies include application of macro and micronutrients, soil surfactants, plant growth regulators, beneficial microorganisms, humic substances, biopolymers, hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, and various plant protection agents including fungicides, insecticides, and predator deterrents. Seed enhancement technologies can alter the physiological status of the seed through hydration methods such as priming, steeping, hardening, soaking, and pre‐germination (Gregg & Billups ) and break seed dormancy through such processes as chemical and mechanical scarification, stratification, and hormonal treatments (Turner et al ) .…”

Advances in restoration ecology: rising to the challenges of the coming decades

“…Recent technological advances to aid successful revegetation (Table 1) include improved seed handling, processing and quality assessments of wild collected seeds (e.g., X-ray seed viability analysis/ex situ storage) , Martyn et al 2009, and the use of treatments and germination stimulants to overcome dormancy and promote germination (Merritt et al 2007, Turner et al 2013. Furthermore, proven agricultural seeding technologies are being modified to suit restoration programs using native species (Jonson 2010).…”