Germination traits explain the success of direct seeding restoration in the seasonal tropics of Brazil

Laumann, Pedro Dias; Ferreira, Maxmiller Cardoso; Silva, Dulce Alves da; Vieira, Daniel Luís Mascia

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120706

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…This methodology could also be useful to study the changes of seeds from dormant to non-dormant states, changes that depend on the hard, impermeable layers that surround the seeds (Penfield 2017), or to distinguish whether the lack of imbibition is due to the existence of a very negative potential germination threshold or to a very low K s due to the impermeable seed coat. Finally, the application of this methodology would also allow us to understand the role of the shape and size of the seeds (Wang et al 2004;Dias Laumann et al 2023) or the presence of awns, wings, hairs, elaiosomes or mucilage on the imbibition process (Bochenková et al 2017, De Paula 2015or López-Vila and García-Fayos 2005.…”

Section: Optimization Of Experimental Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new methodology to characterize the kinetics of a seed during the imbibition process

Moret-Fernández,

Tormo,

Latorre

2023

Plant Soil

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Aims Assuming the saturated, θs, and residual θr volumetric water contents of a seed as known inputs, we present a methodology to determine the hydraulic properties of a seed: α, n parameters and hydraulic conductivity Ks. Methods The seed is considered as a porous material in which water flow is governed with the same hydraulic properties defined for soils. Using the HYDRUS-2D software, the hydraulic properties of a seed were estimated from the inverse analysis of several cumulative seed imbibition curves measured at different seed water potentials, h. The optimum number of h was evaluated on synthetic seeds. The theoretical analysis was validated in laboratory experiments on barley, wheat and vetch seeds, where imbibition curves were measured with germination tests at seven levels of h (from 0 to -2.50 MPa). Results The theoretical analysis showed that accurate estimates of α, n and Ks can be obtained if the most negative h-values are included in the optimization. The sensitivity analysis showed that the method allows obtaining a unique solution of α, n and Ks. The optimization error on the theoretical α, n and Ks was less than 1%. A satisfactory validation was also obtained on the experimental seed imbibition curves, with robust fits between the measured and optimized data. A unique solution of α, n and Ks was also obtained in all cases. Conclusions A new method to determine the hydraulic properties of a seed is presented. This methodology could be used in different areas involving seed imbibition and also to simulate seed imbibition in different scenarios.

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Section: Optimization Of Experimental Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new methodology to characterize the kinetics of a seed during the imbibition process

Moret-Fernández,

Tormo,

Latorre

2023

Plant Soil

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“…Thus, functional trait‐based approaches to ecological restoration have received increasing attention worldwide (Carlucci et al., 2020; Charles et al., 2018; Ostertag et al., 2015). Several studies have successfully used functional traits to understand species' performance and to select the most suitable plant species for restoring degraded ecosystems through the use of seedlings (Martinez‐Garza et al., 2013; Wang et al., 2021) and seeds (Laumann et al., 2023; Sandel et al., 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because ecological filters affect species performance in restoration projects, specific traits can help overcome common restoration challenges associated with poor establishment and performance (Funk et al., 2023). Although incorporating a functional trait approach into direct seeding projects design may help to achieve higher establishment percentages and ecological restoration success, this approach has rarely been applied, and only in individual projects (Camargo et al., 2002; Laumann et al., 2023; Passaretti et al., 2020; Silva & Vieira, 2017; Tunjai & Elliott, 2012). To date, there is no synthesis available that could allow for generalizations of patterns across sites and species (Balazs et al., 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seed functional traits as predictors of seedling establishment success in Brazilian tropical forest restoration

de Souza,

Engel

2024

Biotropica

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Several ecological filters in deforested and degraded areas reduce seedling emergence and establishment and hinder ecological restoration by direct seeding. Understanding whether functional traits are related to a species' capacity to overcome these filters and predict their field performance might improve the success of direct seeding techniques for ecological restoration. We assessed eight seed functional traits of tropical tree species, seeking those that best explained their establishment success in direct seeding restoration projects. We analyzed a dataset from 52 studies that tested direct seeding techniques with tree species in Brazil. From each study, we collected the mean establishment percentage for all tree species. Seed mass, cotyledon function, and germination speed were the only functional traits that significantly affected the species establishment percentage in direct seeding restoration projects. Species with larger seeds, storage cotyledons, and faster germination had higher establishment percentages. Choosing species with these functional traits for seed mixes will provide higher establishment percentages and, consequently, improve restoration success by direct seeding techniques.

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“…Larger seeds typically have more stored energy and water, which can lead to higher germination rates and faster emergence (Baskin & Baskin, 2014). Seeds with low moisture content and those with protective coats are more likely to germinate successfully due to their ability to avoid dehydration in hot and dry seeding sites (Correia et al., 2022; Dias Laumann et al., 2023). Thick seed coats can protect seeds from harsh environmental conditions but can also impede water uptake and gas exchange, potentially delaying or preventing germination (Bewley & Black, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical seed damage, not rodent's saliva, accelerates seed germination of trees in a subtropical forest

Zhu,

Yang,

Teng

et al. 2024

Ecology and Evolution

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Many tree species adopt fast seed germination to escape the predation risk by rodents. Physical seed damage and the saliva of rodents on partially consumed seeds may act as cues for seeds to accelerate germination process. However, the impacts of these factors on seed germination rate and speed remain unclear. In this study, we investigated such impacts on the germination rate and speed (reversal of germination time) of four tree species (Quercus variabilis, Q. serrata, Q. acutissima, Q. glauca) after partial consumption by four rodent species (Leopoldamys edwards, Niviventer fulvescens, N. confucianus, Apodemus draco), through a series of experiments. We also examined how seed traits may affect the seed damage degree by rodents by analyzing the relationship between the germination rate and time of rodent‐damaged seed and the traits. We found that, artificially‐ and rodent‐damaged seeds exhibited a significantly higher seed germination rate and speed, compared to intact seeds. Also, the rodent saliva on seeds showed no significant effect on seed germination rate and speed. Furthermore, we observed significant positive correlations between several seed traits (including the seed mass, coat thickness, and protein content) and the seed germination rate and speed. These correlations are likely due to their beneficial traits countering seed damage by rodents. Overall, our results highlight the significant role of physical seed damage by rodents (rather than their saliva) in facilitating seed germination of tree species, and potential mutualism between rodents and trees. Additionally, our results may have some implications in forest restoration, such that intentionally sowing or dispersing slightly damaged seeds by humans or drones may increase the likelihood of successful seed regeneration.

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Germination traits explain the success of direct seeding restoration in the seasonal tropics of Brazil

Cited by 5 publications

References 47 publications

A new methodology to characterize the kinetics of a seed during the imbibition process

A new methodology to characterize the kinetics of a seed during the imbibition process

Seed functional traits as predictors of seedling establishment success in Brazilian tropical forest restoration

Physical seed damage, not rodent's saliva, accelerates seed germination of trees in a subtropical forest

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