Improved Seedling Establishment Research Articles

Proline Priming Enhances Seed Vigour and Biochemical Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) during Germination.

Seed vigour is a desirable trait especially for direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. Seeds with high vigour could improve seed germination, support seedlings in competing with weeds for water and nutrients, and improving seedling establishment throughout the early stages of crop growth. The success of DSR system which account for more 25% of world cultivation areas is highly dependent on the seed vigour and seedling establishment. Seed priming is a promising technique to improve seed vigour. Proline is an amino acid that has been well studied for its roles in plants under different environmental stress conditions. Nevertheless, the effect of proline as a seed priming agent in improving seed vigour in rice remain elusive. In this research, the effect of 24 h of proline priming at various concentrations (0 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM) on rice seed vigour, amylase activity, and total soluble sugar (TSS) content of a Malaysia indica rice variety, MR269 was investigated. Results showed that seeds primed with lower concentration of proline (0 mM, 1 mM and 2 mM) had better germination responses while priming at high concentrations (10 mM and 20 mM) reduced seed germination. Among the concentration tested, priming with 1 mM proline enhanced seed vigour with significantly higher germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI) and seedling vigour index (SVI). In addition, proline primed seeds also exhibited increased amylase activity and TSS content as compared to unprimed seeds. However, priming seed with 20 mM proline was detrimental to the seed vigour and seedling growth whereby lower GP, GRI and SVI and higher mean germination time (MGT) were observed. In short, this study shows that proline could be a potential seed priming agent to improve seed vigour in rice.

Early seedling development and survival of seagrasses Posidonia australis and P. sinuosa using different seed‐based restoration methods

Seagrass seed‐based restoration has been developed in several places worldwide, but disturbance at the vulnerable initial stages of seedling recruitment has proved to be a major bottleneck to successful restoration. A detailed investigation of seagrass seedling survival and growth at the earliest stages of seedling development is an important contribution to developing techniques to improve seedling establishment and survival. Here, we investigated the early seedling development of Posidonia australis and P. sinuosa as well as quantifying the variation in seedling survival and development under different seed‐based restoration methods. Early seedling development was documented in indoor aquaria during the first month after fruit dehiscence. In the second ex situ experiment, we determined the effects of three different restoration methods (surface sowing, seedling planting, and planting inside a hessian bag) on seedling survival and development over the first 2 months of life. In the first experiment, a primary root with the first root hairs developed after 7 days. After 1 month, roots were 20–60 mm in length, firmly establishing the seedling into the sediment. Compared to surface sowing, seedling planting and hessian bag restoration treatments did not significantly affect survival for P. australis but increased seedling mortality in P. sinuosa, although growth was greater (shoot and root lengths were approximately 50 and 40% longer, respectively). These aquarium‐scale experiments suggest that planting methods would enhance seedling establishment at larger scales in some species, promoting restoration of damaged seagrass habitats.

Rice encrusting with small‐seeded native species for reintroduction in agroecosystems: a case study in Lindernia procumbens

Seed coating is commonly applied in agricultural seed industry to alleviate biotic and edaphic barriers and improve seed germination, seedling emergence and establishment. Recently, this seed enhancement technology has been tested and applied to seeds of native species for ecological restoration and conservation. This work presents a novel application of seed coating for the reintroduction of species with dust‐like seeds that render direct seeding and cultivation unfeasible. Here we have used seed coating on Lindernia procumbens (Krocker) Philcox (Linderniaceae), a threatened annual species of paddy fields. Lindernia procumbens seeds were encrusted to the surface of rice seeds that acted as carrier to spread the species along rice sowing. We first tested how two selected concentrations of binder affected L. procumbens germination, then we investigated sowing depth (i.e. surface level—light, and buried—darkness) effect. Rice encrusting is a feasible and valuable tool for preserving threatened species with tiny seeds, since binder did not limit L. procumbens germination. Light increased L. procumbens seedlings emergence compared to buried conditions. Although L. procumbens emergence was limited in a paddy field trial, we promoted the formation of a soil seed bank for the species. As such, this should not discourage the possibility to reintroduce rare species with tiny seeds in agroecosystems. This pioneering technique can be extended to ecological restoration, where there is an urgent need for new seed‐based approaches and seed‐coating technologies to improve seedling establishment and restoration efficacy.

Mixed-Oligosaccharides Promoted Seedling Growth of Direct-Seeded Rice under Salt and Alkaline Stress

Rice direct seeding technology is an appealing alternative to traditional transplanting because it conserves workforces and irrigation. Nevertheless, there exist two main causes, salt and alkaline stress, which contribute to poor emergence and seedling growth and prevent the popularization and application of this technique in the Ningxia Region, China. Therefore, in order to prove if it is true that germination could be promoted by mixed-oligosaccharide (KP)-priming (seeds were soaked in KP solution before sowing) under salt and alkaline stress, a proteomics study was performed. KP-priming significantly mitigated abiotic stresses such as salt and alkaline inhibiting root elongation, ultimately improving seedling establishment. Through comparing the proteomics analyses, it is found that energy metabolic pathways are the vital factor of KP-priming, and the alleviation of salt and alkaline stress is explained. Key proteins, such as starch mobilization, pyruvate mobilization, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, are up-regulated by KP-priming, and then the salt and alkaline-triggered starch accumulation are significantly blocked, pyruvate metabolism enhanced. KP-priming also up-regulated ATP synthase to improve energy efficiency, thereby improving ATP formation. In addition, it enhanced antioxidant enzymatic activities and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. All of which help understand the energy regulatory pathways that are enhanced by KP-priming and mediate the promotion of growth under salt and alkaline conditions. Thus, this study demonstrates that KP-priming can improve rice seed germination under salt and alkaline stress through altering energy metabolism.

Factors Influencing Seed Dormancy and Germination and Advances in Seed Priming Technology.

Seed dormancy and germination play pivotal roles in the agronomic traits of plants, and the degree of dormancy intuitively affects the yield and quality of crops in agricultural production. Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment that enhances and accelerates germination, leading to improved seedling establishment. Seed priming technologies, which are designed to partially activate germination, while preventing full seed germination, have exerted a profound impact on agricultural production. Conventional seed priming relies on external priming agents, which often yield unstable results. What works for one variety might not be effective for another. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the internal factors within the metabolic pathways that influence seed physiology and germination. This review unveils the underlying mechanisms of seed metabolism and germination, the factors affecting seed dormancy and germination, as well as the current seed priming technologies that can result in stable and better germination.

The use of Groasis Waterboxx devices to improve mineland reclamation efforts by increasing transplant survival and growth of five native woody species

The reclamation of disturbed lands worldwide is a difficult and increasing problem. In the Mountain West region of the United States, mining activities commonly occur in zones dominated by native woody plants. The restoration of woody plants in these areas is challenging, and direct seeding efforts result in poor seedling emergence and establishment. Therefore, seedling transplants are often used, but they frequently experience high mortality during the first year, particularly due to summer stresses. We evaluated if the Groasis Waterboxx device could be used to mitigate drought stress on seedling transplants and improve their establishment on a reclaimed waste rock dump. The Waterboxx device collects precipitation into a polypropylene reservoir and slowly dispenses water onto the soil next to the seedling. To test such a hypothesis, 400 seedlings from five native woody plants (Atriplex canescens, Cercocarpus ledifolius, Pinus edulis, Purshia tridentata, and Rhus glabra) were planted with and without a Waterboxx. The Waterboxx device improved soil water potential, at 40 cm, it took 1 month longer to go below −1 MPa under a Waterboxx. Survival increased 30–65% in four of the five species, and seedling vigor increased for three of the five species. Vigor was higher with all plant species at both planting times and was significantly better in 50% of comparisons. Results support the use of the Waterboxx for improving seedling establishment on mineland overburden sites in the semiarid mountain west. The effectiveness of the Waterboxx device provides merit for future testing where drought challenges seedling establishment.

Extruded seed pelleting offers an alternative direct seeding option to rehabilitate forested ecosystems impacted by a soil‐borne plant pathogen

SummaryThe high cost of native seeds and low seedling establishment percentages after seed broadcasting are major constraints for seed‐based rehabilitation. This study examines whether extruded seed pelleting can be used as a tool to distribute seeds more effectively (e.g. distribute small seeds in a precise manner) while maintaining or enhancing seedling emergence and establishment of Australian shrub species used in the rehabilitation of Phytophthora cinnamomi infested Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest sites. Pellet formulation was first tested using five different formulations of dry ingredients and the addition of seeds from four Phytophthora‐resistant species under glasshouse conditions. The best performing formulation from this work was then adopted to compare laboratory‐produced and field‐deployed pellets. Seedling emergence of the larger seeded species, Raspberry Jam Wattle (Acacia acuminata) and Pin‐cushion Hakea (Hakea laurina), was highest using field‐deployed pellets and emergence was statistically similar to the non‐pelleted seeds. Seedling emergence reached 100% for the small seeded species, Silky‐leaved Bold Flower (Calothamnus sanguineus) and Melaleuca seriata, from laboratory‐produced pellets and was significantly higher than non‐pelleted seeds. These results indicate that extruded pelleting offers an alternative direct seeding option that can result in greater or equal seedling emergence than that observed with non‐pelleted seeds, yet the responses are species‐specific. These species‐specific pelleting techniques must now be tested under field conditions to confirm whether pellet production method and delivery improve seedling establishment under field conditions.

Enhancing Seedling Performance Direct Seeded Rice Under Anaerobic Germination Condition by Seed Invigoration

In an effort to address labor scarcity and enhance the cropping index in tidal swamp areas, farmers utilize direct seeding techniques. However, flooded conditions due to tides and ebb can hinder seed germination. This study aimed to obtain the best invigoration treatment for improving seedling establishment and growth in South Sumatra's tidal swamp hotspots. In the first part of the study, 19 different seed treatments were tested on the swamp rice variety, Inpara 9, in a greenhouse. These treatments included hardening, priming, thermal treatment, and controls. Soluble sugar content and α-amylase activities of treated seeds were analyzed in the lab. The results showed that the invigorated seeds outperformed the control group in terms of seedling growth and development when they were planted directly in the ground under both anaerobic germination (AG) and anaerobic germination with extra FeSO4 added to the soil (AG+Fe) conditions. All treated seeds also exhibited higher soluble sugar and α-amylase activities. A follow-up experiment in a hotspot area assessed the effectiveness of the top nine seed treatments from the first experiment under AG conditions. The flooded level was managed at around 10 cm during the experiment and Inpara-9 was the variety planted. All invigorated seeds exhibited superior seedling establishment and growth compared to the control on in-situ swampy land. Hardening using Trichoderma yielded the highest seedling establishment and performance, indicated by greater root and shoot dry weight than other treatments, followed by hardening with Methylobacterium td-J7 and Methylobacterium td-tpb3.

Drought priming reduces Calligonum mongolicum sensitivity to recurrent droughts via coordinated regulation of osmolytes, antioxidants, and hormones.

Pre-exposure of plants to abiotic stressors may induce stress memory and improve tolerance to subsequent stresses. Here, 3-month-old Calligonum mongolicum seedlings were exposed to drought (60 days) with (primed) or without (unprimed) early drought exposure of 50 days, to determine whether this enhances seedling resistance and investigate possible underlying mechanisms. Compared to unprimed, primed seedlings had higher biomass, shoot relative water content (15% and 22%), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. They also had more superoxide anions (O2 -• ) and H2 O2 scavenging mechanisms through higher activity of SOD, CAT, APX, and dehydroascorbate reductase in assimilating shoots and roots, resulting in less ROS and oxidative stress damage. Plants also had higher ABA and JA but lower SA, likely reflecting an adaptive response to subsequent stress. Primed seedlings accumulated more IAA and brassinosteroids, which may account for their better growth. Accumulation of glycine betaine, pro, and total amino acids in assimilating shoots and roots of primed seedlings led to reduced osmotic stress. Drivers of responses of non-primed and primed seedlings to drought varied. Responses of primed seedlings were primarily characterized by more photosynthetic pigments, increased oxidative scavenging of O2 -• and H2 O2 , more phytohormones and osmolytes. Early drought priming of drought stress memory in C. mongolicum seedlings may provide a useful management approach to improve seedling establishment in vegetation restoration programs.

Solid Matrix Priming: An Effective Technique Used for Improvement in Seed Emergence, Vigor and Seedling Growth of Vegetable Crops

Poor crop stand is one of the most common abiotic constrain faced by vegetable growers of developing countries due to production of low quality seed. Multiple factors, especially abiotic stresses and seed dormancy restrict seed germination and seedling growth. Up till now, seed priming is still considered as effective and cheapest method to enhance seed germination and to mitigate the drastic effect of abiotic stresses. Manipulation of seed hydration through solid matrix priming technique not only improves germination characteristics but also stimulates biochemical processes like restoration of metabolic activities through protein and nucleic acid synthesis (RNA and DNA), increases enzymatic activities, and improves the storage of organic substances in germinating seeds. It was also found effective in improving seedling establishment under salinity, drought, and temperature stresses by activating defence mechanisms. Therefore, this review highlights the role of solid matrix priming in improving the germination and stand establishment of vegetable crops under suboptimal conditions.

Direct Seeding for Conifer Regeneration in the Pacific Northwest: A Past, Present, and Future of Operational Practices

Abstract United States Pacific Northwest (PNW) forests are important ecological, cultural, and recreational landscapes. Direct seeding to aid forest regeneration in the PNW region was developed to reduce reforestation costs and timelines. These practices were largely discontinued in the 1970s due to poor establishment resulting from issues of seed predation, a lack of targeting favorable site conditions, seed distribution issues, and improvements to nursery seedling production. A recent renewed interest in direct seeding research has resulted from the growing geographic extent of postdisturbance areas requiring reforestation. This interest is also supported by the increasing recognition of the logistical impossibility of satisfying reforestation demand via planted seedlings. This historical review highlights the timeline of direct seeding research and practice in the PNW. It describes the main obstacles to its widespread use and opportunities for improvement. These opportunities include upscaling seed collection efforts, increasing distribution precision of seeding methods, upgrading seed quality evaluations, and mitigating seed predation and desiccation. Study Implications: The availability of seedlings is increasingly limited due to the rising demand for reforestation as a result of more frequent and severe wildfires. Further research into direct seeding as an artificial regeneration strategy for trees is necessary to operationally increase reforestation abilities and thus supplement natural regeneration and seedling planting. This study summarizes findings from prior direct seeding studies in the Pacific Northwest region and identifies (1) improving seed collection efforts, (2) refining seed quality assessments, (3) standardizing seed dispersal methods, and (4) improving seedling establishment by targeting favorable site conditions and predation mitigation as key future research priorities.

Quantifying enzyme activities under anaerobic germination in traditional rice landraces to identify donors for direct seeded rice cultivation

Climate change has increased environmental risks globally having an adverse effect on agriculture productivity. Among the abiotic stresses, anaerobic germination stress has been identified as a major stress for seed emergence, plant growth and food production. By understanding the manipulation of germination, antioxidant and fermentation enzymes, adaptations to anaerobic conditions can be improved. The ability of rice to emerge under oxygen deprivation is a determinant of anaerobic germination tolerance, critical for successful direct seeding. There is an urge to identify novel rice genotypes associated with better germination and higher enzymatic activities under anaerobic conditions in order to improve seedling establishment. In the present study, twenty-two rice genotypes were characterized for their anaerobic germination potential by assessing the activities of α- amylase, antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase and peroxidase, and fermentative enzyme viz., alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase under anoxic stress. α- amylase, catalase, peroxidase, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase activities showed a significant positive association with seed germination under anaerobic conditions. Higher expression of five enzymatic activities confirms anaerobic germination stress tolerance in rice genotypes. This study identified four tolerant genotypes namely Karuppukavuni, Kalanamak, CBMAS 14065, and Kodavilayan, and two moderately tolerant genotypes namely TKM13 and Anna R4 based on principal component analysis and correlation analysis.

Role of Rahnella aquatilis AZO16M2 in Phosphate Solubilization and Ex Vitro Acclimatization of Musa acuminata var. Valery.

Rahnella aquatilis AZO16M2, was characterized for its phosphate solubilization capacity to improve the establishment and survival of Musa acuminata var. Valery seedlings under ex-acclimation. Three phosphorus sources (Rock Phosphate (RF), Ca3(PO4)2 and K2HPO4) and two types of substrate (sand:vermiculite (1:1) and Premix N°8) were selected. The factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05) showed that R. aquatilis AZO16M2 (OQ256130) solubilizes Ca3(PO4)2 in solid medium, with a Solubilization Index (SI) of 3.77 at 28 °C (pH 6.8). In liquid medium, it was observed that R. aquatilis produced 29.6 mg/L soluble P (pH 4.4), and synthesized organic acids (oxalic, D-gluconic, 2-ketogluconic and malic), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) (33.90 ppm) and siderophores (+). Additionally, acid and alkaline phosphatases (2.59 and 2.56 µg pNP/mL/min) were detected. The presence of the pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ) cofactor gene was confirmed. After inoculating AZO16M2 to M. acuminata in sand:vermiculite with RF, the chlorophyll content was 42.38 SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development). Aerial fresh weight (AFW), aerial dry weight (ADW) and root dry weight (RDW) were superior to the control by 64.15%, 60.53% and 43.48%, respectively. In Premix N°8 with RF and R. aquatilis, 8.91% longer roots were obtained, with 35.58% and 18.76% more AFW and RFW compared with the control as well as 94.45 SPAD. With Ca3(PO4)2, values exceeded the control by 14.15% RFW, with 45.45 SPAD. Rahnella aquatilis AZO16M2 favored the ex-climatization of M. acuminata through improving seedling establishment and survival.

The effect of crop rotation and tillage practice on residue decomposition and wheat performance in the Western Cape, South Africa

Conservation agriculture relies on residue retention, crop rotation and reduced tillage. Crop rotation determines residue type, while tillage affects residue load and distribution. Although crop residue retention is often beneficial, residues can create challenges, including obstruction of planters during establishment and stubble-borne diseases. This study determined the effects of crop rotation and tillage on the residue decomposition and response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Wheat response was investigated to determine relationships between residue decomposition and its agronomic performance. Crop rotations in long-term trials in areas of the Swartland and southern Cape consisted of the following: wheat–medics, lupin–wheat–canola–wheat, canola–wheat–lupin–wheat, and a wheat monoculture. Crops were established with four tillage practices: conventional tillage (CT: chisel plough followed by soil inversion/ploughing, tine planter establishment), minimum tillage (MT: chisel plough, tine planter establishment), no-tillage (NT: direct drilling with tine planter) and zero tillage (ZT: direct drilling with double disc planter). Crop rotation had no effect on residue decomposition but increased wheat leaf area and grain yield when rotated with medics, lupin and canola when compared with monoculture wheat. ZT increased residue load and improved seedling establishment. ZT (50.9%) and NT (51.1%) increased residue decomposition compared with CT (34%). Faster residue decomposition could be achieved with less soil disturbance.

Sole and combined effect of micronutrients on germination and seedling growth attributes of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

Micronutrient deficiency is a major constraint to crop productivity in most regions. Agronomic interventions such as micronutrient seed soaking could significantly improve seedling establishment in micronutrient deficient soils also. Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn) are essential to plant metabolism and are needed in relatively small but critical amounts by plants. Little attention has been paid to studying the impact of different micronutrients application on the early seedling stage. Laboratory studies were carried out to determine the effect of different micronutrient treatments on germination, and early growth as well as biochemical analysis of seedlings. After sterilization, seeds were soaked in different micronutrient solutions for 24 hrs. The cigar roll method was used for seed germination under well-defined conditions. After seven days of germination, various seedling traits and biochemical parameters were recorded. Effects of seed soaking with different combinations of Iron, Zinc, and Manganese on growth and biochemical attributes of maize (sweet corn) were studied. The single or combined effects of the experimental treatments significantly affected the growth parameters of the seedling. There was better seedling establishment along with higher endogenous sugar, starch content as well as alpha-amylase activity at the early stages of plant development. A positive effect of seed soaking was observed in all traits through all treatments. Overall results predicted that the combination of Ferrous sulfate (0.2%) along with Zinc sulfate (0.5%) shows the best results followed by Ferrous sulfate (0.2%) along with Zinc sulfate (0.2%).

Significance of seed dispersal by the largest frugivore for large-diaspore trees

How do large-bodied frugivores contribute to seed dispersal of large-diaspore plants? This study examined seed dispersal effectiveness for two large-diaspore tree species, Astrotrichilia asterotricha (AA) and Abrahamia deflexa (AD), in a Madagascan forest. I evaluated fruit removal rates through focal tree observations and factors affecting seedling recruitment up to the 2-year-old seedling stage. I confirmed brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus) as the sole disperser, removing 58.8% and 26.0% of fruits produced by AA and AD. Brown lemurs frequently visited large-crowned AA trees with high density of fallen fruits and more adjacent fruiting trees during seasons with low fruit diversity. Most AA seedlings were removed by predators, although canopy openness slightly improved seedling establishment. Although AD seeds were severely attacked by predators under mother trees, the seedlings survived under dispersal conditions distant from the mother trees, and with low density of diaspores. AD had a higher cumulative probability from fruit removal to seedling recruitment (6.5%) than AA (1.5%) in the first rainy season. This study clarifies the significance of seed dispersal to tree recruitment strategies, which vary among different combinations of tree species and large frugivores, i.e. quantitative dispersal to reach suitable microhabitats, and qualitative dispersal to escape from dangerous zones near mother trees.

The Factors Improving Seedling Establishment and Early Growth in Root-elongated Rice Seeds that were Direct Seeded, without Seed Coating, using a Puddling Seeder

The Factors Improving Seedling Establishment and Early Growth in Root-elongated Rice Seeds that were Direct Seeded, without Seed Coating, using a Puddling Seeder

Foliar application of sodium silicate mitigates drought stressed leaf structure in corn (Zea mays L.)

A hydroponic study of maize cv. SC 705 was performed to determine the effectiveness of 1.0 mM sodium silicate to alleviate drought stress. Measurements were taken between 5 and 100 mm above the base of the third leaf. Stress negatively affected all growth parameters. As a general trend, a 1.0 mM Na2SiO3 foliar application increased growth parameters for stressed, but not un-stressed plants, compared to the control. Leaf cross sectional area increased 35%, and midrib area decreased 25% less than in untreated stressed plants, compared to the control. Protoxylem area in treated, drought-stressed plants increased by 40%, and Si application increased xylem in non-stressed plants compared to the control. In drought stressed seedlings the stomatal area increased 24% when Si treated compared to the control. In drought stressed plants, electrolytic leakage decreased from 0.64 to 0.52% when Si treated. Membrane stability increased 12% in drought stressed plants when Si treated. When drought stressed plants were Si treated, chlorophyll a increased by 35%, chlorophyll b increased by 31%, and carotenoids increased by 51% compared to the control. Drought stressed plants had a relative water content 15% higher than non-treated plants, and leaf elongation rate increased 33%, compared to the control. Compared to the control, drought stressed plants had a 20% higher K+ and 38% higher Ca2+ level when treated with Si. These data strongly support the hypothesis that foliar Si application could mitigate the effects of drought stress. Growth improvements could be correlated with increased K+ and Ca2+ accumulation, which may play an important role in increased midrib cross-sectional area, RWC, and third-leaf elongation under drought stress. Foliar application of Si could be a low cost, easy, and effective way to improve seedling establishment in corn affected by drought early in the season.

Improved Seedling Establishment using Root-Elongated Seeds without Coating and Early Growth in Rice Directly Sown with a Puddling Seeder in Farmers’ Fields in Cool Region in Japan

Improved Seedling Establishment using Root-Elongated Seeds without Coating and Early Growth in Rice Directly Sown with a Puddling Seeder in Farmers’ Fields in Cool Region in Japan

Water‐saving techniques for restoring desertified lands: Some lessons from the field

AbstractNature‐based solutions can significantly contribute to restoration projects in areas affected by desertification processes, where they are necessary for reversing land degradation. Currently, one innovative solution is The Cocoon™, which has been designed as a new ecotechnology for improving seedling establishment. The Cocoon consists of a doughnut‐shaped container made of recycled cardboard that provides water and shelter at least during the first year of a seedling, which is the most critical for plant establishment. To determine the effectiveness of this ecotechnology under different conditions, the Cocoon was tested on a variety of soils, climates, vegetation, and land uses. Six planting trials were performed in Spain and Greece, which covered a range from humid to arid climates. With the objective of studying its functionality, the survival of the seedlings, their vigor, and growth were monitored for 2 years. Compared with conventional planting systems, the Cocoon has effectively increased seedling survival, especially under dry growing conditions (low rainfall, soils with low water holding capacity). The Cocoon also allowed for higher growth of some species (olive trees, holm oaks, and Aleppo pines). Moreover, a positive correlation between the rainfall on the site and the biodegradation degree of the Cocoon device was observed. Overall, the Cocoon becomes more efficient in arid climates or adverse growing conditions.