Gregory A. Cooper, Gabrielle A. Bolwerk, A. Joshua Leffler, Lora B. Perkins
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Seed‐based restoration is dependent on seed germination, and poor germination can cause restoration failure. Many restoration failures can be attributed to a lack of knowledge of germination characteristics, species‐specific seed dormancy, or the effects of widely used herbicides on germination. White penstemon (Penstemon albidus) and Waxleaf penstemon (P. nitidus) are native to the Northern Great Plains region of North America, and increased germination of these species would contribute to improved restoration in the region. We performed two concurrent experiments to determine: (1) the germination requirements and dormancy class of these species; and (2) the effects of herbicides on germination. To determine germination requirements, we applied pretreatments (scarification, smoke, and KNO3) and three durations (2, 4, and 8 weeks) of cold and warm stratification. To test the effects of herbicides on germination, three commonly used herbicides (atrazine, trifluralin, and 2,4‐D) were applied at six concentrations (100, 50, 10, 1, 0.1, and 0% of the recommended field application rate). Germination characteristics indicate both species express physiological dormancy. Physiological dormancy denotes an embryo with low growth potential that is unable to overcome mechanical constraints but can be alleviated with proper temperature cues. Both species required cold stratification, with P. nitidus needing a longer period (8 weeks) than P. albidus (4 weeks). Final germination percentage of P. albidus decreased with higher doses of 2,4‐D but was not affected by atrazine or trifluralin. These experiments help to create protocol for the use of our study species, as well as other species, in restoration plantings.
期刊介绍:
Restoration Ecology fosters the exchange of ideas among the many disciplines involved with ecological restoration. Addressing global concerns and communicating them to the international research community and restoration practitioners, the journal is at the forefront of a vital new direction in science, ecology, and policy. Original papers describe experimental, observational, and theoretical studies on terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems, and are considered without taxonomic bias. Contributions span the natural sciences, including ecological and biological aspects, as well as the restoration of soil, air and water when set in an ecological context; and the social sciences, including cultural, philosophical, political, educational, economic and historical aspects. Edited by a distinguished panel, the journal continues to be a major conduit for researchers to publish their findings in the fight to not only halt ecological damage, but also to ultimately reverse it.