Imbibition patterns in native seeds: insights for direct seeding in restoration ecology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X90607Keywords:
Water absorption, Germination pattern, Imbibition curveAbstract
Seed imbibition directly influences germination and seedling establishment, playing a crucial role in optimizing germination protocols and enhancing seed use in restoration projects. This study aimed to characterize the imbibition patterns and germination dynamics of eleven native forest species commonly used in direct seeding. Imbibition curves were analyzed using four replicates of 25 seeds per species, placed in paper rolls moistened with distilled water (2.5 times their mass) and incubated in BOD chambers at 25°C or 30°C, depending on the species. Seeds were weighed at two-hour intervals during the first 12 hours and then every 24 hours until primary root protrusion (≥ 2 mm) occurred. All species followed a triphasic water absorption model, with substantial variation in the duration of the phases. Phase I ranged from 2 to 24 hours, Phase II lasted between 12 and 144 hours, and Phase III occurred within 24 to 168 hours, depending on the species. Rapid radicle protrusion was observed in Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) Kuntze and Senegalia polyphylla (DC.) Britton & Rose (24 hours), while Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos and Maclura tinctoria (L.) D.Don ex Steud. exhibited prolonged germination times (168 hours). These results highlight the diversity in imbibition dynamics among species and provide critical insights into their potential application in direct seeding. Understanding such patterns is essential for selecting species and designing protocols to improve the success of ecological restoration initiatives.
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