Boiled, tumbled, burned, and heated: seed scarification techniques for Munro's globemallow appropriate for large-scale application

Abstract

Physically dormant seeds of Munro’s globemallow ( Sphaeralcea munroana (Douglas) Spach [Malvaceae]) were scarified by boiling, tumbling, burning, dry-heating, and burning + heating treatments in an attempt to find an effective, operational, largescale treatment for nurseries and restoration activities. Results indicate that out of the tested treatments, seed germination was highest following boiling water scarification (49%). All other treatments did not achieve significant improvements in germination compared to the control. Findings should improve the use of this cool-season peren nial for restoration in the Great Basin, where its effectiveness in soil stabilization; its tolerance of disturbance, drought, and extreme temperatures; and its importance as a food source for animals make it a suitable candidate. In addition, the tested treat ments should serve as a foundation for further method refinement.