Forest and landscape restoration severely constrained by a lack of attention to the quantity and quality of tree seed: Insights from a global survey

Abstract

Meeting the multimillion hectare commitments for forest and landscape restoration (FLR) will require billions of tree seed and seedlings. However, the adequacy of seed supply in terms of quantity, genetic diversity and quality has received scant attention in FLR planning. We surveyed 139 FLR projects worldwide and identified widespread problems in the availability and diversity of tree seed, with potentially deleterious consequences for the vigor, productivity and long-term persistence of restored tree populations. Large projects and those focused on climate change mitigation were particularly associated with multiple problems in seed sourcing. To avoid large-scale failure in FLR, we recommend: (1) national assessments of seed supply and demand for FLR, (2) reviewing FLR targets and funding cycles, (3) fostering sharing of knowledge and experiences regarding seed supply and selection, (4) enhancing seed exchange across landscapes, and (5) introducing regulations for seed quality and strengthening capacities for compliance.

Lack of adequate seed supply is a major bottleneck for effective ecosystem restoration in Chile: friendly amendment to Bannister et al. (2018)

“…). Despite the awareness of substantive issues associated with procuring quality seeds for restoration (Jalonen et al ), a missing link in the discussion is the adequacy of the seed supply chain. Here, we discuss the main constraints (Fig.…”

Assessment of the nursery species pool for restoring landscapes in southeastern Brazil

“…Particularly in landscapes with a long history of land conversion, deforestation, and defaunation, vegetation recovery depends on active restoration through direct seeding or the planting of seedlings (Rodrigues et al ; Palma & Laurance ; Meli et al ). Indeed, planting trees is the most common tropical forest restoration technique, despite being expensive, time consuming, and labor‐intensive (Brancalion et al ; Meli et al ; Jalonen et al ).…”

“…Restoration of tropical forests in severely deforested landscapes is a major challenge because the hand‐collection of seeds and seedling production causes a bottleneck, particularly when attempting to represent a large pool of native species and genotypes (Brancalion et al ; Nevill et al ; Jalonen et al ). There are 40–53 thousand tree species within the tropics (Slik et al ) and, as might be expected, the literature is lacking in knowledge of their biology and current distribution.…”

Biodiversity guidelines for forest landscape restoration opportunities assessments

“…One of the most glaring gaps that follows from the assessment of biodiversity in FLR assessments is the relative scarcity of native seed and seedling stock for restoration activities (Jalonen et al, 2017). Throughout the world, FLR initiatives often recommend that native species be planted and used in restoration activities and this generally receives broad support.…”