Testing Germination of Species for Hydroseeding Degraded Mediterranean Areas

Abstract

The germination performance of native species and their suitability for a rapid erosion control are uncertain. Together with their relatively low commercial availability and high costs, these are still strong reasons preventing their common use in hydroseeding for restoration of Mediterranean degraded slopes, despite the increasing number of studies recommending it. In this study, 14 non-native (commercial) and native herb and woody species were tested. Their germination performance was evaluated under laboratory (Petri dishes) and greenhouse conditions (seeds sown in target substrate). The results obtained were compared with the seedling densities in a Mediterranean quarry slope hydroseeded with the same species. In the laboratory, commercial species had a better germination performance than most native species, but this trend was not maintained in the greenhouse. Greenhouse tests were extended beyond spring and showed that many native species germinated better, or exclusively in autumn. Germination performance and success decreased, from laboratory to greenhouse and field conditions, for many species, but not for all. Relative to field performance, the predictive value of laboratory and greenhouse tests was poor, yet sowing on the target substrate under greenhouse conditions may be a better approach for certain native species. The main drawbacks revealed by native species in the present study included: (1) relatively slow germination;(2) seasonality; and (3) seed dormancy-breaking requirements. The results suggest that these problems may be overcome through species selection, seed pre-treatments, hydroseeding scheduling, and/or manipulation of seeding density and relative species proportion.

Influence of different storage conditions on quality characteristics of seed material from semi‐natural grassland

“…In the present study, and independent of the storage conditions and harvesting methods, the germination rates for the seed mixtures in the first year can be considered high, compared, for instance, with the results of Heilinger and Florineth () and Oliveira et al . (). In the first 2 years, the germination capacity of the SS material was, in general, higher than that of the OST material.…”

Ecological restoration across the Mediterranean Basin as viewed by practitioners

“…Young plants used in restoration activities were mostly of local or regional provenance, probably also for logistic reasons, but plant seeds were not, as is often the case in many restoration projects (Kiehl et al, 2010;Oliveira et al, 2012;Tischew et al, 2011). Although the use of generalist and easily commercially available 'seed recipes' of exogenous or unknown provenances is a common practice particularly in largescale restoration projects, it may lead to the loss of local diversity of adapted varieties and possibly alter ecosystem functions Rowe, 2010;Vander Mijnsbrugge et al, 2010).…”

Comparing seeds germination of some local plant species on two hydroseeding mulches for post mining revegetation

“…However, the previous mulches were not resistant under heavy rain, the slurry tended to be disintegrated and finally seeds germinated in low rate. Moreover, research in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions conducted by Oliveira et al (2012) indicated that the success of local seed germination in the field has a low frequency. In order to improve the mulch performance, the natural gum could then be replaced by degradable tackifier.…”