Seed planning, sourcing, and procurement

Abstract

Ensuring the availability of adequate seed supplies of species and sources appropriate for restoration projects and programs necessitates extensive science‐based planning. The selection of target species requires a review of disturbance conditions and reference areas, development of a reference model, and consideration of specific objectives, timeframes, available resources, and budgets as well as the performance of prospective species in past restoration efforts. Identification of seed sources adapted to site conditions is critical to provide for short‐term establishment and long‐term sustainability. Seed zones and plant movement guidelines provide tools for sourcing plant materials with reduced risk of maladaptation. A seed zone framework also facilitates seed use planning and contributes to stability and predictability of the commercial market, thereby reducing costs and improving the availability of adapted seed supplies. Calculating the amount of seed required for each species is based on seed quality (viability, purity), seed weight, expected seedling establishment, and desired composition of the seeding. If adequate collections from wildland stands are not feasible, then seed increase in seed fields or use of nursery stock may be warranted. Adherence to seed collection and seed production protocols for conserving genetic diversity is critical to protect genetic resources and buffer new seedings and plantings against environmental stressors. Maintenance of genetic diversity becomes even more critical considering current or expected climate change impacts. Collaboration and partnerships can benefit seed selection and procurement programs through sharing of information, coordination in project planning, and increasing the availability of native seed.

Seed use in the field: delivering seeds for restoration success

“…florets, appendages) and the high variability in seed size and density that can cause uneven seed mixing and equipment blockages during seed delivery. Once the seeds required for a project are obtained (see Erickson & Halford 2020), each seed lot should be examined to determine whether further seed cleaning is required to improve seed flowability (Pedrini et al 2018; Frischie et al 2020). In addition, seed pre‐treatments (e.g.…”

“…Seed delivery method and seed and plant characteristics must be considered when creating the seed mix(es) (Erickson & Halford 2020). All species can be mixed together for sowing (Fig.…”

“…Seeding rates for individual species should be presented as the number or weight of pure live seeds (PLS) sown per area or row length. PLS is based on test results for seed lot purity, viability or germination, and 1,000 seed weight (see Armstrong et al 2017; Erickson & Halford 2020; Frischie et al 2020; Pedrini & Dixon 2020). In the absence of seed testing, bulk numbers of seed or bulk seed weight sown per area or row length is used (Goldblum et al 2013).…”

“…A seeding plan that specifies when, where, and how native seed mixes will be used is the foundation for a successful field sowing and an integral part of the overall restoration plan created during the initial phases of a project (see Erickson & Halford 2020). A seeding plan (Fig.…”

Foreword: International Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration

“…This special issue addresses that need, by presenting a series of overview articles on topics relevant to industry, restoration practitioners, and regulators. The overview articles examine each key step in the native seed supply chain: (1) seed sourcing and procurement models (Erickson et al 2020); (2) the fundamentals of native seed collection from natural populations and the establishment of seed production systems (Pedrini et al 2020); (3) established practices and protocols for cleaning, processing, and assessing the quality of native seeds (Frischie et al 2020); (4) methodologies for short‐ and long‐term seed storage, and for determining the longevity and quality of stored seed collections (De Vitis et al 2020); (5) an overview of seed dormancy classification, with examples of how dormancy alleviation techniques can be applied at scale for restoration projects (Kildisheva et al 2020); (6) how seed enhancement technologies can improve the efficiency of native seed use (Pedrini et al 2020); and (7) strategies, considerations, and current technologies in delivering seeds to site at field scales (Shaw et al 2020). The information presented in each of the overview articles then builds the framework of the final synthesis article that details the “standards” that need to be applied to native seed batches if the native seed supply chain is to achieve a level of reliability and transparency (see “Principles and Standards for Native Seed in Ecological Restoration”; Pedrini & Dixon 2020).…”