Seed ecology and germination treatments in Magnolia dealbata: An endangered species

Abstract

Magnolia dealbata is a deciduous tree species in danger of extinction. Seed ecology data and successful germination treatments are important for conservation and species reintroduction programs. This study reports about seed ecology and germination treatments of M. dealbata Zucc. The results showed that the seeds, influence of vertebrates excluded, persisted viable after 1 year, suggesting the presence of a semi-persistent seed pool. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05 ) in survival of seeds with or without sarcotesta after a year. Significant differences ( p < 0.05 ) were found in the number of seeds surviving after a year at different levels of burial. There was no significant interaction upon survival ( p > 0.05 ) between sarcotesta presence or absence in the seed and burial depth. If vertebrates were not excluded the seeds had a removal rate of 100% 8 months after being exposed. Seed survival curve was of Type II, that is, with constant mortality throughout the time. The most successful germination treatment ( p < 0.05 ) with 100% germination was soaking of seeds without sarcotesta for 24 h at room temperature (18–20 °C).