Dormancy Class Research Articles

THE DORMANCY OF AGRICULTURAL PLANT SEEDS

The dormant state is inherent to the seeds of the overwhelming majority of wild-growing plants, as well as many
 cultivated plants. The ability of seeds to maintain viability for a long time without proceeding to germination is one of the
 most important adaptive properties of plants. It allows them to outlive the unfavorable periods of the year; therefore, a stock
 of seeds is created in the soil, which is an important condition for the preservation of species.
 The seeds differ in the depth of dormancy and in the methods of taking out from it. On the basis of this the classification
 system of types of dormancy developed by M. G. Nikolaeva and recently slightly modified by J. M. Baskin и C. C. Baskin has
 been built. Five classes of dormancy were identified: physiological (PD), morphological (MD), morphophysiological (MPD),
 physical (PY) and combined (PY + PD). Physiological dormancy, in its turn, is divided into deep, intermediate and shallow.

Germination ecology of Trachycarpus fortunei (Arecaceae), a species with morphophysiological and shoot dormancy

Beyond strong inference that most of the 2600 known species of Arecaceae produce diaspores with an underdeveloped embryo and therefore have morphological dormancy (MD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), little is known about the specific dormancy class or sub-class and how dormancy-break occurs under ecological conditions. Here, we found that mature seeds of Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H.Wendl. collected at the time of natural dispersal had an underdeveloped embryo that was 10% of total seed length. No diaspores germinated over a wide range of temperatures in either light or darkness. Cold stratification at 4 °C for one, two, and three months or treatment with 100, 500, and 1000 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) improved germination percentages, with three months cold stratification or 1000 ppm GA3 resulting in highest germination. The embryo grew inside the seeds during cold stratification; however, warm stratification did not improve germination. Therefore, seeds of T. fortunei have intermediate complex MPD. Cold-stratified seeds that were moved to spring conditions (night and day temperatures of 15 and 20 °C, respectively) had cotyledonary petiole (CP) elongated, but leaves developed only when the CP elongated seeds were moved to summer temperatures (night and day temperatures of 25 and 30 °C, respectively), suggesting the presence of shoot dormancy. The seedlings are remote-tubular type. This is the first report for Arecaceae indicating the presence of complex MPD.

Distribution of seed dormancy classes across a fire-prone continent: effects of rainfall seasonality and temperature.

Different seed dormancy classes control the timing of germination via different cues. The ecological dissimilarities between classes therefore suggest that they are likely to be subject to different selective pressures, and that species within each class will have diverse functional responses. We aimed to investigate this by assessing how variation in the distribution of dormancy classes is correlated with regional environmental factors, in particular rainfall seasonality and temperature. Additionally, we compare the relative proportions of species with physiological (PD) or physical (PY) dormancy to assess whether dormancy class influences their ability to persist under different rainfall seasonality regimes. Dormancy class was assigned for 3990 species from 281 genera occurring across two climate regions, with either winter or aseasonal rainfall, across temperate fire-prone Australia. All regions have similar vegetation and fire regimes. Using a Bayesian framework, we compared the distribution of dormancy classes across temperature and rainfall climate gradients, for threatened and common species. A high dormant:non-dormant species ratio highlighted the critical role of dormancy across our study regions. Critically, species showing PD were more likely to be threatened in aseasonal rainfall climate regions. Our results support the assumption that dormancy is favoured in environments with stochastic disturbance.

Seed germination in Narcissus yepesii (Amaryllidaceae): clinal variation in the morphophysiological dormancy levels.

Seed dormancy classes determine both population and species-level processes which can be crucial in the life cycle of many plants. However, there are no studies of a dormancy cline between levels of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). We aimed to determine the class of seed dormancy of Narcissus yepesii exhibits in order to explore links between different dormancy levels, previously characterized in two closely related phylogenetic congeners, N. alcaracensis and N. longispathus. Experiments were carried out under both near-natural temperature and controlled laboratory conditions. The parameters calculated were mean embryo length, radicle and shoot emergence percentages. The effects of different periods of storage; and different periods with or without GA3 of warm, cold or warm plus cold were analysed. The Narcissus populations from the Baetic System of mountain ranges in south-eastern Spain show clinal variation in a northeast–southwest gradient from intermediate to non-deep complex MPD, through the coexistence of intermediate and non-deep complex MPD in N. yepesii (21 % and 74 %, respectively). In addition, 54 % of stored seeds were able to show both levels of MPD. Narcissus yepesii occupies an intermediate position between N. alcaracensis and N. longispathus in the geographical distribution and in the clinal germination ranges. It strongly suggests an evolutionary gradient, which connects the intermediate complex MPD with the non-deep complex MPD in southern Iberian daffodils. This is the first study showing a gradient in the evolution between levels of MPD. Our results demonstrate a cline in these levels in response to both an environmental gradient and genetic differences.

Defining correct dormancy class matters: morphological and morphophysiological dormancy in Arecaceae

Dormancy in Arecaceae diaspores is due to underdeveloped embryos, therefore, morphological dormancy or morphophysiological dormancy. Consequently, claims such as external seed structures inhibit germination, embryos are fully developed at maturity, and underdeveloped embryo is not a form of dormancy are rejected, because embryo size of the diaspore at the time of dispersal was not taken into consideration. The re-classification proposal for moving morphological dormancy into non-dormancy is also discouraged. This is owing to the fact that when both morphological dormancy and non-dormant seeds are placed under conditions suitable for germination, those with morphological dormancy do not germinate immediately due to time needed for growth of the embryo, whereas non-dormant seeds can germinate quickly. The implications of correctly defining dormancy class are important, for researchers working with seeds at various levels from forestry to molecular biology.

Dormancy and germination: making every seed count in restoration

From 50 to 90% of wild plant species worldwide produce seeds that are dormant upon maturity, with specific dormancy traits driven by species' occurrence geography, growth form, and genetic factors. While dormancy is a beneficial adaptation for intact natural systems, it can limit plant recruitment in restoration scenarios because seeds may take several seasons to lose dormancy and consequently show low or erratic germination. During this time, seed predation, weed competition, soil erosion, and seed viability loss can lead to plant re‐establishment failure. Understanding and considering seed dormancy and germination traits in restoration planning are thus critical to ensuring effective seed management and seed use efficiency. There are five known dormancy classes (physiological, physical, combinational, morphological, and morphophysiological), each requiring specific cues to alleviate dormancy and enable germination. The dormancy status of a seed can be determined through a series of simple steps that account for initial seed quality and assess germination across a range of environmental conditions. In this article, we outline the steps of the dormancy classification process and the various corresponding methodologies for ex situ dormancy alleviation. We also highlight the importance of record‐keeping and reporting of seed accession information (e.g. geographic coordinates of the seed collection location, cleaning and quality information, storage conditions, and dormancy testing data) to ensure that these factors are adequately considered in restoration planning.

Conservation seed physiology of the ciénega endemic, Eryngium sparganophyllum (Apiaceae).

Knowledge of seed dormancy and optimal propagation techniques is crucial for successful ex situ restoration and reintroduction projects, and determining the seed storage behaviour of a species is critical for the long-term conservation of seeds, further supporting future ex situ efforts. Eryngium sparganophyllum (Apiaceae) is a globally critically endangered plant species endemic to ciénega wetlands of southwest North America. To support in situ and ex situ conservation efforts of E. sparganophyllum, we asked (i) how does the embryo: seed (E:S) ratio change over time once imbibed, (ii) how does germination respond with varying periods of exposure to cold (5°C) and warm (25°C) stratification, and concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3). By answering these questions, (iii) can dormancy class be inferred, and (iv) what storage behaviour category is exhibited? To answer these questions, we collected seeds in Southern Arizona from one of the few remaining wild populations. We measured embryo growth and tested the effects of cold (0–18 weeks) and warm (0 and 4 weeks) stratification, and 0–1000 ppm gibberellic acid on germination. We also tested the effects of cold (−80°C) dry (~20% equilibrium relative humidity) storage on germination. We found that (i) embryos grow inside seeds prior to germination; (ii) compared to control, cold stratification for at least 6 weeks increased germination and warm stratification had no effect; (iii) 1000-ppm GA3 had the highest germination success; (iv) therefore this species exhibits morphophysiological dormancy; and (v) seeds are orthodox and can therefore be conserved using conventional storage methods. This information will aid managers in the propagation of E. sparganophyllum that is crucial for in situ reintroduction and restoration projects, and seed banking represents a critical ex situ conservation strategy for the preservation of this species.

Overcoming germination barriers in four native Malvaceae shrub species of Reunion island to improve restoration in arid habitats

Islands are well-known to house an incredible biodiversity, higher level of threatened species and extinctions than mainlands. Because of human activities and climate change, these endangered regions required advanced conservation and restoration strategies.In this study, we investigated seed germination ecology of four native Malvaceae species (Dombeya acutangula, Dombeya populnea, Ruizia cordata and Thespesia populneoides) of degraded dry lowlands of Reunion Island. We measured seed imbibition, investigated the dormancy class of seeds, determined light requirements for germination and identified treatments to improve germination of these species. For this purpose, germination tests were performed over 32 days and two photoperiods (12 h/12 h or 0 h/24 h), by using seeds treated with H2O2, gibberellic acid and smoke water. Mechanical and chemical scarifications as well as heat treatment were also carried out. Germination percentages were analyzed by fitting generalized linear models (GLMs) with a logit link function.For the four species, a significant mass increase is detected for scarified seeds after a week imbibition (>60% mass increase). Germination percentages of seeds treated with H2O2, GA3 and smoke water were not significantly different from control seed. On the contrary, scarified seeds exhibited significantly higher germination percentages than control seeds. In addition, germination speed was also significantly higher for scarified seeds. These results are congruent with a physical dormancy phenomenon of seeds of the four Malvaceae shrubs. In addition, no particular light requirement was observed for germination. Artificial methods to break dormancy and stimulate germination described in this study could improve establishment success in arid habitats.

Embryo growth and dormancy in seeds of six Hosta species native to Korea

AbstractAlthough it has been speculated that Hosta seeds have an underdeveloped embryo and morphological (MD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), no detailed studies have been carried out to definitively confirm this suggestion. Our first purpose was to determine if embryos of six Korean species of Hosta (H. capitata, H. clausa, H. jonesii, H. minor, H. venusta and H. yingeri) grew inside the seeds prior to germination (i.e., were underdeveloped) or did not do so (i.e., were fully developed). Our second purpose was to identify the class of dormancy found in these seeds by examining germination during incubation at 15 and/or 25°C. The initial embryo : seed ratio in seeds of the six Hosta species was between 0.78 and 0.85, and embryos elongated by 9.6 to 17.5% prior to germination. Seeds of H. capitata, H. clausa, H. venusta and H. yingeri germinated to ≥65% in light and darkness at 15 and 25°C within 30 days, those of H. minor germinated to ≥80% in light and darkness at 25°C and to 24% in light and 50% in darkness at 15°C, and those of H. jonesii germinated to 100% in light at 25°C. We conclude that embryos in seeds of these six Hosta species are underdeveloped at maturity. Because high percentages of H. capitata, H. clausa, H. venusta and H. yingeri seeds germinated at cold and warm temperatures within 30 days, they have MD. On the other hand, seeds of H. minor germinated to high and low percentages at warm and cold temperatures, respectively. Thus, some seeds have MD and others may have MPD.

Seed enhancing treatments: comparative analysis of germination characteristics of 23 key herbaceous species used in European restoration programmes.

The response of seeds from 23 wild plant species to a range of seed enhancing treatments was studied. We tested the hypothesis that sensitivity of the 23 species to these compounds is related to their ecological niche. The three ecological niches considered were open land, open-pioneer and woodland. Hence, the germination of a species is likely adapted to different light conditions and other environmental signals related to the niche. As representatives of environmental signals, the effects of smoke-related compounds (karrikinolide, KAR1 ), nitrate and plant growth regulator (gibberellic acid, GA3 ) on germination were studied. Seeds were exposed to these additives in the imbibition medium; all described as germination cues. We also investigated the effect of light regimes and additives on germination parameters, which included final germination, germination rate and uniformity of germination. Seeds were placed to germinate under three light conditions: constant red light, constant darkness and 12h white light photoperiod. We observed inhibition by KAR under light in some species, which may have ecological implications. The results showed that no single treatment increased the germination of all the tested species, rather a wide variation of responsiveness of the different species to the three compounds was found. Additionally, no interaction was found between responsiveness to compounds and ecological niche. However, species in the same ecological niche and dormancy class showed a similar responsiveness to light. Species that share a similar environment have similar light requirements for germination, while differences exist among species in their responsiveness to other germination cues.

Seed dormancy in relation to predation and pathogenicity of four tropical Fabaceae species from Sri Lanka

According to the seed defense theory, predation and pathogenicity should be lower in physically dormant (PY) seeds than those of no-dormant (ND). Thus, a study was conducted to determine the predation and pathogenicity of four tropical Fabaceae species to test the above hypothesis. Imbibition and germination of manually scarified (MS) and untreated (UT) seeds were tested using locally collected seeds. Pathogenicity and predatory rates of MS and UT seeds of each species was observed by keeping them separately in a woodland and a grassland for four weeks. Nutrient content and production of volatile compounds in seeds were determined. Germination and imbibition experiments confirmed the physical dormancy of two Senna spp., non-dormancy of Bauhinia variegata and physiological dormancy in Pterocarpus indicus seeds. Predation and pathogenicity were higher in the woodland than in the grassland. Lowest seed predation and pathogenicity were recorded in P. indicus and the highest in B. variegata. Pathogenicity and predation of MS seeds of Senna spp. were higher than that of UT seeds. No correlation was revealed between nutrient content and pathogenicity or predation. MS seeds released more volatile compounds than intact seeds as they were in imbibed state. Pathogenicity and predation depended on seed dormancy classes.

Seed dormancy and germination requirements in Angelica palustris (Besser) Hofm., a critically endangered plant

The phenology of Angelica palustris seeds including maturation, germination requirements, and dormancy class, is still unknown. In opposite to the results reported from other species of Angelica, present findings showed that A. palustris produced seeds with embryo underdeveloped (the ratio between the embryo and the whole seed length was between 0.19 and 0.12) and physiologically dormant which corresponded to Morphophysiological Dormancy class. Dormancy breakdown requires a post maturation period (at least 30 days) at 18 - 20ºC for a complete embryo development, and also up to 30 days of cold stratification at 4°C. The best germination indices were obtained when fruit was removed. Germination energy (Ge) was achieved within 19 days after imbibition and was 25.8 + 0.03 and germination per cent (Gp) was achieved within 28 days and was 64.7 + 0.14. Fruit structure (lateral wings with air cavities) and physiology (essential oil production) are adaptations to facilitate seed dispersal and dormancy/germination balance.

Seed germination and dormancy traits of forbs and shrubs important for restoration of North American dryland ecosystems.

In degraded dryland systems, native plant community re-establishment following disturbance is almost exclusively carried out using seeds, but these efforts commonly fail. Much of this failure can be attributed to the limited understanding of seed dormancy and germination traits. We undertook a systematic classification of seed dormancy of 26 species of annual and perennial forbs and shrubs that represent key, dominant genera used in restoration of the Great Basin ecosystem in the western United States. We examined germination across a wide thermal profile to depict species-specific characteristics and assessed the potential of gibberellic acid (GA3 ) and karrikinolide (KAR1 ) to expand the thermal germination envelope of fresh seeds. Of the tested species, 81% produce seeds that are dormant at maturity. The largest proportion (62%) exhibited physiological (PD), followed by physical (PY, 8%), combinational (PY+PD, 8%) and morphophysiological (MPD, 4%) dormancy classes. The effects of chemical stimulants were temperature- and species-mediated. In general, mean germination across the thermal profile was improved by GA3 and KAR1 for 11 and five species, respectively. We detected a strong germination response to temperature in freshly collected seeds of 20 species. Temperatures below 10°C limited the germination of all except Agoseris heterophylla, suggesting that in their dormant state, the majority of these species are thermally restricted. Our findings demonstrate the utility of dormancy classification as a foundation for understanding the critical regenerative traits in these ecologically important species and highlight its importance in restoration planning.

A meta-analysis of the effects of frugivory (endozoochory) on seed germination: role of seed size and kind of dormancy

Heretofore, no study has determined how germination of ingested seeds is affected by the kind (class) of dormancy nor by seed dormancy x seed size interaction. Thus, we aimed to determine the effects of seed size, kind of dormancy and their interaction on germination of defecated seeds using a meta-analysis. We collected data for 366 plant species in 97 plant families from 76 publications. In general, gut passage significantly increased germination percentage of defecated seeds by 5% compared with that of control seeds. Germination percentages of non-dormant, physiologically dormant, and morphologically/morphophysiologically dormant seeds (all water-permeable) significantly decreased after gut passage by 40, 18, and 14%, respectively, compared with control seeds (non-gut-passed). Changes in germination percentage of seeds with physical dormancy (water-impermeable) were positive, and gut passage increased germination by 69% compared with control seeds. Germination of small seeds decreased 8% after gut passage, whereas germination of both medium and large seeds increased by 18%. However, changes in germination percentage differed between categories of seed size in each class of dormancy. In physically dormant seeds, germination of all seed sizes improved after gut passage, and the magnitude of increase was higher for large than for medium and small seeds. Thus, gut passage increased germination of medium-size water-permeable seeds (physiologically dormant and morphologically/morphophysiologically dormant) more than it did for large and small seeds. However, gut-passage decreased or did not change the germination percentage of non-dormant seeds. Seed size and kind of dormancy should be included in studies on the effect of gut passage on germination.

Dormancy-defense syndromes and tradeoffs between physical and chemical defenses in seeds of pioneer species.

Seeds of tropical pioneer trees have chemical and physical characteristics that determine their capacity to persist in the soil seed bank. These traits allow seeds to survive in the soil despite diverse predators and pathogens, and to germinate and recruit even decades after dispersal. Defenses in seedlings and adult plants often are described in terms of tradeoffs between chemical and physical defense, but the interplay of defensive strategies has been evaluated only rarely for seeds. Here we evaluated whether classes of seed defenses were negatively correlated across species (consistent with tradeoffs in defense strategies), or whether groups of traits formed associations across species (consistent with seed defense syndromes). Using 16 of the most common pioneer tree species in a neotropical lowland forest in Panama we investigated relationships among four physical traits (seed fracture resistance, seed coat thickness, seed permeability, and seed mass) and two chemical traits (number of phenolic compounds and phenolic peak area), and their association with seed persistence. In addition, seed toxicity was assessed with bioassays in which we evaluated the activity of seed extracts against representative fungal pathogens and a model invertebrate. We did not find univariate tradeoffs between chemical and physical defenses. Instead, we found that seed permeability - a trait that distinguishes physical dormancy from other dormancy types - was positively associated with chemical defense traits and negatively associated with physical defense traits. Using a linear discriminant analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis we found evidence to distinguish three distinct seed defense syndromes that correspond directly with seed dormancy classes (i.e., quiescent, physical, and physiological). Our data suggest that short and long-term persistence of seeds can be achieved via two strategies: having permeable seeds that are well defended chemically, corresponding to the physiologically dormant defense syndrome; or having impermeable seeds that are well defended physically, corresponding to the physically dormant defense syndrome. In turn, transient seeds appear to have a lower degree of chemical and physical defenses, corresponding to the quiescent defense syndrome. Overall, we find that seed defense and seed dormancy are linked, suggesting that environmental pressures on seed persistence and for delayed germination can select for trait combinations defining distinct dormancy-defense syndromes.

Seed dormancy-life form profile for 358 species from the Xishuangbanna seasonal tropical rainforest, Yunnan Province, China compared to world database

Seed dormancy profiles are available for the major vegetation regions/types on earth. These were constructed using a composite of data from locations within each region. Furthermore, the proportion of species with nondormant (ND) seeds and the five classes of dormancy is available for each life form in each region. Using these data, we asked: will the results be the same if many species from a specific area as opposed to data compiled from many locationsare considered? Germination was tested for fresh seeds of 358 species in 95 families from the Xishuangbanna seasonal tropical rainforest (XSTRF): 177 trees, 66 shrubs, 57 vines and 58 herbs. Seeds of 12.3% of the species were ND, and 0.3, 14.8, 60.6, 12.0 and 0% of the species had morphological (MD), morphophysiological (MPD), physiological (PD), physical (PY), and combinational (PY + PD) dormancy, respectively. PD was more important than ND in all life forms, PY was highest in shrubs, MD was not important in any life form and MPD was most common for herb and vines. The seed dormancy profile for XSTRF differs considerably from the composite profile for this vegetation type worldwide, most obviously in ND being much lower and PD much higher in XSTRF.

Timing of seed dispersal and seed dormancy in Brazilian savanna: two solutions to face seasonality.

The relationship between fruiting phenology and seed dispersal syndrome is widely recognized; however, the interaction of dormancy classes and plant life-history traits in relation to fruiting phenology and seed dispersal is understudied. Here we examined the relationship between fruiting season and seed dormancy and how this relationship is modulated by dormancy classes, dispersal syndromes, seed mass and seed moisture content in a Brazilian savanna (cerrado). Dormancy classes (non-dormancy and physical, morphological, morphophysiological, physiological and physiophysical dormancy) of 34 cerrado species were experimentally determined. Their seed dispersal syndrome (autochory, anemochory, zoochory), dispersal season (rainy, dry, rainy-to-dry and dry-to-rainy transitions), seed mass and moisture contents, and the estimated germination date were also determined. Log-linear models were used to evaluate how dormancy and dormancy classes are related to dispersal season and syndrome. The proportions of dormant and non-dormant species were similar in cerrado. The community-estimated germination date was seasonal, occurring at the onset of rainy season. Overall, anemochorous non-dormant species released seeds during the dry-to-rainy transition; autochorous physically dormant species dispersed seeds during the dry season and rainy-to-dry transition; zoochorous species dispersed non-dormant seeds during the dry and rainy seasons, while species with morphological, morphophysiological or physiological dormancy dispersed seeds in the transitional seasons. Seed mass differed among dispersal seasons and dormancy classes, but seed moisture content did not vary with dispersal syndrome, season or dormancy class. The beginning of the rainy season was the most favourable period for seed germination in cerrado, and the germination phenology was controlled by both the timing of seed dispersal and seed dormancy. Dormancy class was influenced by dispersal syndrome and season. Moreover, dormancy avoided seed germination during the rainy-to-dry transition, independently of dispersal syndrome. The variability of dormancy classes with dispersal syndrome allowed animal-dispersed species to fruit all year round, but seeds germinated only during the rainy season. Conversely, seasonally restricted wind-dispersal species dispersed and germinated their non-dormant seeds only in the rainy season.

Seed germination traits of desert perennials

While understanding that seed germination is crucial for ecological restoration activities, the seed traits of desert perennials are understudied. We experimentally determined germination traits of 43 species from 14 families from Hummock grasslands in the Great Sandy Desert, Australia. We defined morphological and physiological seed traits of framework species required for restoration and investigated the effects of fire and temperature on seed germination. We classified dormancy and explored the effect of Karrikinolide, a fire cue derived from smoke, on germination. Seeds of 38 (88%) out of 43 species were dormant: 13 (30%) with physical and 25 (58%) with physiological dormancy. Karrikinolide promoted seed germination of 9 (21%) species across all life-forms except trees, and widened the range of germination temperatures and increased germination rate of one species. Although high germination percentages were obtained over a wide temperature range, germination rate was affected by temperature. Non-dormant seeds and seeds pre-treated to overcome physical dormancy germinated quickly, with times to 50% germination of 1–5 days. Dormancy class differed between life-forms and families. Fast germination of non-dormant seeds is a trait that allows seeds to germinate during short periods of moisture availability. An absence of under-developed embryos is consistent with the global trends for hot deserts. A response to Karrikinolide shows that seed germination is related to a fire cue. These results will inform land managers of effective seed pre-treatments prior to seed broadcasting for restoration, and information on seed germination temperatures and rates will improve the understanding of when and where seeds could germinate in restored sites.

Benefits of adopting seed-based technologies for rehabilitation in the mining sector: a Pilbara perspective

The use of native plant seeds is fundamental to large-scale rehabilitation and the re-establishment of self-sustaining ecosystems after high-impact mining activity has ceased. However, many of the biological attributes of seeds are often overlooked in large-scale rehabilitation programs. Multi-disciplinary, long-term research collaborations are required to improve seed-based mine rehabilitation. In this paper, we review the steps that BHP Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), a large iron ore mining company that operates in the Pilbara bioregion of north-west Western Australia, has taken over the past 9 years to ensure continuous improvement in rehabilitation procedures. We introduce the mining activities that WAIO undertake in the Pilbara, and emphasise specific examples of how research findings have led to incremental improvements in the seed management cycle, growth media management and mine rehabilitation practices. Specifically, we outline how the implementation of structured seed collection and storage programs has created the capacity to maintain high-quality seed stocks sufficient for 3–5 years of future rehabilitation. Research has documented the prevalence of seed dormancy in the flora (>70% of 105 species examined produce dormant seeds), with physical and physiological classes of dormancy most commonly encountered. We discuss the development of seed-treatments such as optimised wet-heat and dry after-ripening that have increased the germination capacity of many previously dormant seed batches. In addition, we highlight how seed enhancement technologies, such as hydro-priming with smoke-derived germination stimulants and polymer seed coating, and a greater understanding of the biological and physical limitations present in the growing environment, have vastly improved seedling emergence performance under field conditions for key framework Triodia species. Ongoing industry support (e.g. construction of a purpose-built rain manipulation shelter) has ensured research in the Pilbara will continue to unpack and resolve the complex challenges associated with seed regeneration of biodiverse native plant communities after mining.

Productivity evaluation of Medicago sativa cultivars under irrigation in a semi-arid climate

Many Medicago sativa cultivars are available in South Africa, each with unique characteristics. This study evaluated 26 cultivars under irrigation on two ecotopes in terms of number of cuttings, dry matter (DM) production, seasonal DM production curve, DM production curve over lifespan and plant density, over nine growing seasons. The production per cutting decreased from 3 624 and 3 401 kg DM ha−1 to 902 and 864 kg DM ha−1 on soil of medium and high clay content, respectively. The production peaked during the second and third growing seasons, with respectively 22 524 and 22 640 kg DM ha−1 on the medium-clay-content soil, and 20 442 and 20 352 kg DM ha−1 on the high-clay-content soil. Cumulative production over nine growing seasons varied from 131 762 to 169 408 kg DM ha−1 on the medium-clay-content soil and from 84 407 to 130 447 kg DM ha−1 on the high-clay-content soil. The relationship between production and dormancy class was only signifi cant after four to five growing seasons. Dormancy class six to eight seems to be more productive in this environment. The cultivars KKS 3864 and Eureka can be considered the best DM-producing cultivars under irrigation in this environment.