Germination and seed conservation of a pioneer species, Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae), from tropical dry forest of Colombia / Germinación y conservación de semillas de la especie pionera, Tecoma stans (Bignoniaceae), del bosque seco tropical de Colombia

Abstract Seed germination and seed longevity under different environmental conditions are fundamental to understand the ecological dynamics of a species, since they are decisive for its success within the ecosystem. Taking this into account, seed germination and seed storage behavior of a pioneer species of tropical dry forest (Tecoma stans) were studied in the laboratory, to establish the effect of different environmental conditions on a local tree population. Two seed lots collected in July 2011, from Cali (Colombia), were evaluated under three alternating temperatures (20/30, 20/25, 25/30 ºC; 16/8 h) and four light qualities (12-hour white light photoperiod, darkness, and 15 minutes of red light -R and far red light -FR). Final germination was recorded for all treatments; for white light treatment the daily germination was recorded to calculate mean germination rate, mean germination time, and two synchronization indices. To assess the effect of light quality on physiological variables, a destructive germination test was carried out. For this test, another seed lot was evaluated under the same light conditions using an alternating temperature of 20/30 °C - 16/8 h, recording germination during six days for every treatment. In addition, seeds were stored at two different moisture contents (7.7, 4.1 %) and three storage temperatures (20, 5, -20 ºC), during two time periods (one and three months); a seed germination test was conducted for each treatment. Four replicates of 35 seeds per treatment were used for all experiments. Germination was high (GP > 90 %) with all alternating temperatures under white light, whereas under R, FR, and darkness germination was evenly successful at low temperatures, but at higher temperature, half of the seeds entered into secondary dormancy (GP= 45-65 %). However, mean germination rate and synchronization under R and FR decreased significantly in comparison to white light treatment and, consequently, mean germination time increased. Seed storage behavior of this species is orthodox due to the high germination (GP > 90 %) obtained under all treatments. In conclusion, T. stans seeds have a negative germination response at high incubation temperatures in the absence of white light, entering into a secondary dormancy. In contrast, an environment with a lower temperature and without white light delays the germination, but at the end seeds are able to reach the same germination values. This seed dependence on incident light in limiting conditions suggests a physiological mechanism on the seed tissues of this species, probably mediated by phytochromes. Finally, the orthodox seed storage behavior of T. stans is a reason to include this species in ex situ seed conservation programs for restoration and recovery of the tropical dry forest; however, long-term studies should be conducted in order to evaluate the maintenance of this characteristic throughout longer periods of time. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 918936. Epub 2018 June 01.

Resumen La germinación y la longevidad de las semillas de una especie bajo diferentes condiciones ambientales son fundamentales para las dinámicas ecológicas de una especie, debido a que son decisivas en el éxito de la misma en un ecosistema. Teniendo en cuenta esto, se estudió la germinación y el comportamiento en el almacenamiento de las semillas de una especie pionera de bosque seco tropical (Tecoma stans) a nivel de laboratorio, para establecer el efecto de diferentes condiciones ambientales en una población local de árboles. Dos lotes de semillas recolectados en julio 2011, de Cali (Colombia), se evaluaron a tres temperaturas alternadas (20 / 30, 20 / 25, 25 / 30 °C; 16 / 8 h) y cuatro calidades de luz (fotoperiodo de 12 horas de luz blanca, oscuridad, y 15 minutos de luz roja -R y roja lejana -RL). Se registró la germinación final para todos los tratamientos; para el tratamiento de luz blanca se registró la germinación diaria para calcular la tasa media de germinación, el tiempo medio de germinación y dos índices de sincronización. Para evaluar el efecto de la calidad de luz sobre las variables fisiológicas, se realizó una prueba de germinación destructiva. Para esta prueba, otro lote de semillas fue puesto a las mismas condiciones de luz usando una temperatura alternada de 20 / 30 °C - 16 / 8 h, registrando la germinación durante seis días para cada tratamiento. Además, se almacenaron semillas a dos contenidos de humedad (7.7, 4.1 %) y a tres temperaturas de almacenamiento (20, 5, -20 °C), durante dos periodos de tiempo (uno y tres meses); se realizó una prueba de germinación a cada tratamiento. Cuatro repeticiones de 35 semillas por cada tratamiento se usaron en cada experimento. La germinación fue alta (PG > 90 %) en todas las temperaturas alternadas con luz blanca, mientras que en los tratamientos de luz R, RL y en oscuridad, la germinación fue igualmente exitosa a bajas temperaturas, pero a temperaturas más altas la mitad de las semillas entraron en latencia secundaria (PG= 45-65 %). Sin embargo, la tasa media de germinación y la sincronización en R y RL disminuyeron significativamente en comparación con el tratamiento de luz blanca y consecuentemente el tiempo medio de germinación aumentó. El comportamiento de las semillas de T. stans en el almacenamiento es ortodoxo debido a la alta germinación obtenida (PG > 90 %) en todos los tratamientos. En conclusión, las semillas de T. stans tienen una respuesta germinativa negativa a temperaturas de incubación alta en ausencia de luz blanca, donde entran a latencia secundaria. En contraste, un ambiente con baja temperatura y sin luz blanca retrasa la germinación, pero al final las semillas son capaces de alcanzar los mismos valores de germinación. Esta dependencia de las semillas a la luz incidente en condiciones limitantes sugiere la presencia de un mecanismo fisiológico en los tejidos de esta especie, probablemente mediado por fitocromos. Finalmente, el comportamiento ortodoxo de las semillas de T. stans en el almacenamiento abre la posibilidad de incluirla en programas de conservación ex situ para la restauración y recuperación del bosque seco tropical; no obstante, se deben llevarse a cabo pruebas más largas para evaluar el mantenimiento de esta característica por periodos de tiempo más largos.

Dynamics of seed rain of Tripterygium hypoglaucum and soil seed bank / 中国中药杂志

Tripterygium hypoglaucum is an endangered species in arid areas of Xiannvshan Chongqing, China. The dynamic characteristics of seed rain and soil seed bank of T. hypoglaucum were studied in this paper．Results showed that T. hypoglaucum years of mature seeds distribution number up to October; the seed rain occurred from the last ten-day of September to in the first ten-day of November and the peak of scattered seed rain concentrated in the October．The numbers of soil seed bank at 2-5 cm soil layer,mainly concentrated in the 1.5-3.5 m range. T. hypoglaucum seeds to the wind as a force for transmission, the transmission ability is strong, but in the process of natural reproduction, full mature seed rate is low, the soil seed bank seeds seed short-lived factors these were unfavorable for the natural reproduction of T. hypoglaucum population.

Germination and soil seed bank traits of Podocarpus angustifolius (Podocarpaceae): an endemic tree species from Cuban rain forests

Podocarpus angustifolius is an endangered recalcitrant-seeded small tree, endemic to mountain rain forests in the central and Pinar del Río regions in Cuba. In this study, the germination patterns of P. angustifolius seeds were evaluated and the nature of the soil seed bank was determined. Using a weighted two-factor design, we analyzed the combined germination response to seed source (i.e. freshly matured seeds directly collected from trees versus seeds extracted from soil samples) and pretreatment (i.e. seed water-immersion for 48h at room temperature). Germination was delayed for four weeks (≈30 days) in all cases, regardless of both factors analyzed. Moreover, nine additional days were necessary to achieve high germination values (in the case of fresh, pretreated seeds). These results overall may indicate the existence of a non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy in P. angustifolius seeds. The water-immersion significantly enhanced seed germination, probably as a result of the hydration of recalcitrant seeds. Although germination of seeds extracted from soil samples was low, probably due to aging and pathogen effects throughout the time of burial, the study revealed the existence of a persistent soil seed bank (at least short-termed) of ≈42 viable seeds per m² in the upper 10cm of soil. Such a record is noteworthy since references to persistent soil seed banks in recalcitrant-seeded species are scarce in the literature. The population consequences derived from the formation of persistent soil seed banks in this endangered species are discussed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1061-1069. Epub 2011 September 01.

Podocarpus angustifolius es un árbol endémico de los bosques lluviosos de la región de Pinar del Río y la parte central de Cuba, que se encuentra en peligro de extinción. En este estudio se evaluó la germinación de sus semillas y la naturaleza del banco de semillas del suelo. Específicamente, se analizó la respuesta germinativa de las semillas a dos factores: su procedencia (recolectadas directamente de los árboles versus extraídas de muestras de suelo) y el pretratamiento (inmersión en agua durante 48h a temperatura ambiente). La germinación no comenzó hasta las cuatro semanas (≈30 días) en todos los casos. Además, fueron necesarios 9 días más para alcanzar un valor elevado de germinación (en el caso de semillas recolectadas del árbol con pretratamiento), lo que parece indicar la existencia de un letargo de tipo morfofisiológico simple no profundo. El pretratamiento incrementó significativamente la germinación, posiblemente por hidratación de las semillas recalcitrantes. El estudio demostró la existencia de un banco de semillas persistente en el suelo, al menos de corta duración de ≈42 semillas viables por m² en los 10 primeros cm del suelo. Dicho hallazgo es destacable, ya que los casos descritos en la literatura sobre bancos persistentes en especies con semillas recalcitrantes son escasos. Además, se discute la importancia que tiene para esta especie amenazada la existencia de un banco de semillas persistente.

Soil seed bank and the effect of needle litter layer on seedling emergence in a tropical pine plantation

The soil seed bank is the basis for community establishment and permanence and plays a primary role in natural restoration of degraded or altered ecosystems. As part of a restoration project, this study aimed to quantify the soil seed bank and to evaluate the effect of the needle litter layer on seedling emergence. Soil samples from a pine plantation were collected at random in the field and set to germinate in a greenhouse. Half of them were covered by a 6cm layer of dead pine needles simulating field conditions. in the field, 20x20cm plots were established, half were left intact and half were cleaned from the litter needles. All four treatments had 15 replicates and seedling emergence was recorded during six months. Soil seed bank density was 1 222/m² from 17 morphotypes. in the field, the number of morphotypes and seedlings was only 9% and 6% respectively, of those emerged in the greenhouse, possibly due to watering and lack of predation in the latter. in both cases, herbs and graminoids were the dominant emerging seedlings, making up to 70-90% of the total. The needle layer didn’t prevent seeds from reaching the soil but strongly reduced (>50%) seedling emergence, although high variability within treatments resulted in no statistically significant differences. These results show that the needle layer hinders germination and/or emergence of seedlings from the seed bank. its removal may be a recommended technique to accelerate natural restoration in pine plantations. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1071-1079. Epub 2011 September 01.

El banco de semillas del suelo es la base para el establecimiento y la permanencia de una comunidad y desempeña un papel fundamental en la restauración natural de los ecosistemas degradados o alterados. Como parte de un proyecto de restauración, este estudio tuvo como objetivo cuantificar el banco de semillas del suelo y evaluar el efecto de la capa de hojarasca de pino sobre la emergencia de las plántulas. Las muestras de suelo de la plantación de pinos fueron recolectadas al azar en el campo y se pusieron a germinar en un invernadero. La mitad de ellas estaban cubiertas por una capa de 6cm de hojarasca simulando condiciones de campo. En el campo se establecieron parcelas de 20x20cm, la mitad se dejaron intactas y la otra mitad se limpiaron de la hojarasca. Para los cuatro tratamientos se realizaron 15 repeticiones y la emergencia de plántulas se registró durante seis meses. La densidad del banco de semillas del suelo fue de 1 222/m² de 17 morfotipos. En el campo, el número de morfotipos y plántulas fue sólo de 9% y 6% respectivamente, de los que emergieron en el invernadero, posiblemente debido al riego y la falta de depredación. En ambos casos las plántulas dominantes fueron las hierbas y gramíneas, alcanzando el 70-90% del total. La capa de hojarasca no impidió que las semillas llegaran al suelo, pero se presentó una emergencia de plántulas muy reducida (>50%), debido a la alta variabilidad de los tratamientos no se produjeron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Estos resultados muestran que la capa de hojarasca impide la germinación y/o la emergencia de las plántulas del banco de semillas del suelo. Su eliminación puede ser una técnica recomendada para acelerar la restauración natural en las plantaciones de pino.

Mecanismos de regeneração natural em diferentes ambientes de remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, São Francisco de Paula, RS / Mechanisms of natural regeneration in different environments in the remaining Mixed Rain Forest, São Francisco de Paula, RS

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os mecanismos de regeneração natural em três agrupamentos florísticos em remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, localizado em São Francisco de Paula, RS. A coleta dos dados foi realizada em seis conglomerados de um hectare, subdivididos em 16 parcelas cada, nas quais foram coletadas amostras da chuva de sementes, do banco de sementes no solo e do banco de plântulas. Os grupos florísticos apresentaram diferenças significativas para a densidade de indivíduos na chuva de sementes e no banco de plântulas. Para o banco de sementes no solo, o grupo G1 diferiu dos grupos G2 e G3. A riqueza de espécies observada no banco de plântulas sugere que este pode ser o mecanismo principal de manutenção da diversidade no remanescente. A chuva de sementes foi abundante e representou uma fonte expressiva de propágulos para abastecer o banco de sementes e banco de plântulas local e das áreas circunvizinhas. O banco de sementes do solo não apresentou potencial florístico para representar a riqueza de espécies presentes na vegetação arbórea, corroborando o estágio sucessional avançado desta floresta, uma vez que o banco de sementes é formado principalmente de espécies pioneiras.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural regeneration mechanisms in three floristic groups of the remaining Mixed Rain Forest, located in San Francisco de Paula, RS. The data were collected in six conglomerates of one hectare, subdivided into 16 plots, in which seed rain, soil seed bank, and seedling bank were collected. The groups presented differences in the density of individuals in the seed rain and in the seedling banks. For the soil seed bank, the group G1 differed from the groups G2 and G3. The seedlings bank, due to the wealth of species, may be the primary mechanism for maintaining diversity in the remnant. Seed rain was abundant and represented an expressive source of seeds to supply the seed bank and the seedling bank site and surrounding areas. The seed bank of soil did not show potential to replace the floristic richness of species in the arboreal vegetation, confirming the advanced stage of forest succession, once the seed bank is composed mainly of pioneer species.

The impact of local extinction on genetic structure of wild populations of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) in the Central Valley of Costa Rica: consequences for the conservation of plant genetic resources

Plant populations may experience local extinction and at the same time new populations may appear in nearby suitable locations. Species may also colonize the same site on multiple occasions. Here, we examined the impact of local extinction and recolonization on the genetic structure of wild populations of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) in the Central valley of Costa Rica. We compared genetic diversity from the samples taken from the populations before and after extinction at 13 locations using microsatellite markers. Locations were classified according to the occurrence of extinction episodes during the previous five years into three groups: 1) populations that experienced extinction for more than one year, and were later recolonized (recolonized), 2) populations that did not experience local extinction (control), and 3) populations that did not experience local extinction during the study, but were cut to experimentally simulate extinction (experimental). Our data did not show a clear tendency in variation in allele frequencies, expected heterozygosity, and effective number of alleles within and between groups of populations. However, we found that the level of genetic differentiation between samples collected at different times at the same location was different in the three groups of populations. Recolonized locations showed the highest level of genetic differentiation (mean Fst= 0.2769), followed by control locations (mean Fst= 0.0576) and experimental locations (mean Fst= 0.0189). Similar findings were observed for Nei’s genetic distance between samples (di,j= 0.1786, 0.0400, and 0.0037, respectively). Our results indicate that genetic change in lima beans depends on the duration and frequency of local extinction episodes. These findings also showed that control populations are not in equilibrium. Implications of these results for the establishment of conservation strategies of genetic resources of lima beans are discussed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 1023-1041. Epub 2008 September 30.

Las poblaciones de plantas pueden experimentar extinción local, y al mismo tiempo, pueden surgir a sus alrededores nuevas poblaciones. Algunas especies pueden colonizar el mismo sitio en múltiples ocasiones. Aquí examinamos el impacto de la extinción local y recolonización en la estructura genética de poblaciones silvestres del frijol lima (Phaseolus lunatus) en el valle Central de Costa Rica. Comparamos la diversidad genética de muestras tomadas en poblaciones, antes y después de la extinción, en 13 sitios, usando marcadores de microsatélite. Según los episodios de extinción durante los cinco años previos, clasificamos los sitios así: 1) poblaciones que han experimentado extinción por más de un año, y después han recolonizado (recolonizado), 2) poblaciones que no han experimentado extinción local (control), y 3) poblaciones que no han experimentado extinción local durante el estudio, pero fueron cortadas experimentalmente, simulando una extinción (experimental). Nuestros datos no mostraron una clara tendencia en la variación de las frecuencias alélicas, heterozigosidad, o número efectivo de alelos en y entre grupos de poblaciones. Los niveles de diferenciación genética entre muestras recolectadas en diferentes momentos en el mismo sitio fueron diferentes en los tres grupos de poblaciones. Los sitios recolonizados mostraron el mayor nivel de diferenciación genética (Fst = 0.2769), seguidos de los sitios control (Fst= 0.0576) y sitios experimentales (Fst= 0.0189). Obtuvimos resultados similares en la distancia genética Neis entre muestras (d i,j = 0.1786, 0.0400, y 0.0037, respectivamente). Los cambios genéticos en los frijoles lima dependen de la duración y frecuencia de los episodios de extinción local. Las poblaciones "control" no están en equilibrio. Las implicaciones de estos resultados para el establecimiento de estrategias de conservación de los recursos genéticos de habas se encuentran en discusión.

Psychotria hoffmansegiana (Willd ex Roem. & Schult.) Mull. Arg. and Palicourea marcagravii st. Hil. (Rubiaceae): potential for forming soil seed banks in a brazilian Cerrado

The germinability of artificially buried Psychotria hoffmansegiana and Palicourea marcagravii seeds in Cerrado soil was tested, with the aim of evaluating whether dispersed seeds may be able to form a soil seed bank. The assays were carried out at a Cerrado Reserve in São Paulo State, Brazil. Seed samples were placed in nylon bags and buried at two different depths and in two different sites. Samples were periodically exhumed and germination tests were performed with both exhumed and dry stored seeds. In general, soil storage favoured seed survival and germination when compared to dry stored seeds. The seed germination was little affected by soil depth and by burial environment. Seeds of both species remained viable for at least 13 months, considering the time lapse between the collection and the end of the germination tests. It was suggested that both species can potentially form a persistent soil seed bank in Cerrado.

Observou-se a germinabilidade de sementes de Psychotria hoffmansegiana e Palicourea marcagravii enterradas em solo de Cerrado, buscando-se avaliar o potencial de formação de banco de sementes no solo. Ensaios foram realizados em uma Reserva de Cerrado, São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras de sementes foram colocadas em sacos de tela de nylon e enterradas em duas profundidades, e em dois ambientes. Amostras eram periodicamente desenterradas e submetidas a teste de germinação, juntamente com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. Em geral, o armazenamento no solo favoreceu a sobrevivência e a capacidade de germinação das sementes, em comparação com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. A germinação foi pouco afetada pela profundidade de enterramento e pelo ambiente. Sementes de ambas as espécies conservaram a viabilidade por 13 meses, considerando-se o período entre a coleta e o final dos testes de germinação. É sugerido que ambas as espécies são potencialmente capazes de formar banco de sementes persistente no solo do Cerrado.

Psychotria hoffmansegiana (Willd ex Roem. & Schult.) Mull. Arg. and Palicourea marcagravii st. Hil. (Rubiaceae): potential for forming soil seed banks in a brazilian Cerrado

The germinability of artificially buried Psychotria hoffmansegiana and Palicourea marcagravii seeds in Cerrado soil was tested, with the aim of evaluating whether dispersed seeds may be able to form a soil seed bank. The assays were carried out at a Cerrado Reserve in São Paulo State, Brazil. Seed samples were placed in nylon bags and buried at two different depths and in two different sites. Samples were periodically exhumed and germination tests were performed with both exhumed and dry stored seeds. In general, soil storage favoured seed survival and germination when compared to dry stored seeds. The seed germination was little affected by soil depth and by burial environment. Seeds of both species remained viable for at least 13 months, considering the time lapse between the collection and the end of the germination tests. It was suggested that both species can potentially form a persistent soil seed bank in Cerrado.

Observou-se a germinabilidade de sementes de Psychotria hoffmansegiana e Palicourea marcagravii enterradas em solo de Cerrado, buscando-se avaliar o potencial de formação de banco de sementes no solo. Ensaios foram realizados em uma Reserva de Cerrado, São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras de sementes foram colocadas em sacos de tela de nylon e enterradas em duas profundidades, e em dois ambientes. Amostras eram periodicamente desenterradas e submetidas a teste de germinação, juntamente com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. Em geral, o armazenamento no solo favoreceu a sobrevivência e a capacidade de germinação das sementes, em comparação com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. A germinação foi pouco afetada pela profundidade de enterramento e pelo ambiente. Sementes de ambas as espécies conservaram a viabilidade por 13 meses, considerando-se o período entre a coleta e o final dos testes de germinação. É sugerido que ambas as espécies são potencialmente capazes de formar banco de sementes persistente no solo do Cerrado.