Seed ecology enlightens restoration of endemic species: A case study of Actaea kashmiriana from the Himalaya

Abstract

Lack of sufficient studies on seed ecology of endemic species poses practical hurdles in their habitat restoration programs. Here, we studied the seed ecology traits and regeneration potential of Actaea kashmiriana – an endemic plant species to Kashmir Himalaya. We conducted population sampling of the species at four different sites in Kashmir Himalaya. The seeds showed profuse covering with brownish membranous wings, indicating wind dispersal in the species. The percentage of seed set varied from 67(±0.7) to 72(±0.6) and seed viability from 76(±2.4) to 86(±2.4), with highest being at low-altitude site. We observed a gradual reduction in viability of the seeds over time, and 4 °C temperature optimum for maintaining long-term viability. Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment (3 mM) showed highest percentage of seed germination and seedling survival. The treatments involving GA3 (2 mM), GA3 (2.5 mM), and GA3 (3 mM) showed highest number of seeds germinated per day as well as seedling vigour index. Mean germination time was significantly reduced to 45 ± 0.92 days under GA3 (3 mM) as compared to the other treatments. For breaking the epicotyl dormancy, 24–25 °C temperature was effective for the emergence of cotyledon. Faster seed germination initiated within 38 and40 days under treatments with GA3 (3 mM) and GA3 in combination with Thiourea respectively. Our results indicate non-deep morpho-physiological dormancy in the species and GA3 likely serves as a substitute for cold stratification. Based on our findings, we outline a protocol for production of quality seedlings in A. kashmiriana, which can steer restoration of the species in this Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and enlighten the restoration of endemic biodiversity elsewhere.