Abstract
Ex-situ seed collections are fundamental to the conservation of threatened and endangered plant species. We tested whether or not seeds of the U.S. endangered tree cactus, Pilosocereus robinii, withstand orthodox storage conditions of low humidity (25%RH) and freezing temperatures (-20°C). Mean final germination of fresh seeds and seeds stored under low humidity and low temperature for 1 and 28 weeks ranged from 92 to 96%. Mean final germination did not differ significantly across storage conditions. Seed germination rate exhibited small, but significant differences across storage conditions. Seeds stored under dry conditions of low humidity and ambient temperature germinated significantly faster than dry-stored seeds maintained at freezing temperatures and fresh seeds. Because orthodox methods of drying and freezing can be used to store seeds of Pilosocereus robinii, ex-situ seed banking can effectively assist the conservation and regeneration of this endangered species.
Highlights
Ex-situ seed collections are fundamental to the conservation and habitat restoration of plant species, those at risk of extinction [1,2,3]
Mean final germination of seeds stored under low humidity and low temperatures ranged from 92 % desiccated seeds at 25% RH at 21-23°C for 3 days to 96 % desiccated seeds at 25% RH at 21-23°C for 3 days and kept frozen at -20°C for 28 weeks, Figure 2
Seeds stored under dry conditions of low humidity (25%RH) and low temperature (-20°C) for one week reached 50% of their germination significantly faster than either fresh seeds stored under ambient conditions (21-23°C and 50%RH) or seeds desiccated and frozen for 28 weeks Figure 3A
Summary
Ex-situ seed collections are fundamental to the conservation and habitat restoration of plant species, those at risk of extinction [1,2,3]. Ex-situ seed collections of threatened and endangered plant species are becoming crucial to assist plant reintroduction and restoration programs as disturbance intensity and frequency caused by global warming and human-induced land use changes affect populations in the wild [4]. Many species have seeds that can be stored for long periods at low moisture contents (3-7%, dry weight basis) and low temperature (-18°C) without damage. These seeds are referred as orthodox seeds [9]. Studies of optimal seed storage conditions are required to support conservation and reintroduction programs of plant species that are at risk of extinction [12]
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