International Seed Testing Association Research Articles

Studies on Seed Longevity of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Ambient Storage Condition

Background: Pulses are very crucial to meet the requirements of dietary proteins in the human diet especially for the predominantly vegetarian population in India. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are important pulses grown in India. The seeds of these crops are highly vulnerable to various microorganisms, both in the field and during storage, which play an important role in reducing the seed viability, germination and vigour causing considerable loss in yield and quality. There is no suitable recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pulses, hence present study was undertaken. Methods: Seeds of pigeonpea and chickpea were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50% WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/Kg of seed and stored under ambient condition. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, seed germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of seed mycoflora in pigeonpea and chickpea seed samples was carried out by the blotter test as recommended by the International Seed Testing Association. Result: Total sixteen fungal species were recorded on stored seeds. Maximum incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus (19.83%), A. flavus (14.88%), A. niger (12.40%), Alternaria alternata (11.57%), Fusarium oxysporum (8.26%), Rhizopus stolonifer (7.44%) and Penicillium notatum (5.79%) were recorded on untreated seed of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 after 18 months of storage. The per cent germination, speed of germination and vigour index of the stored seeds decreased with the increase in the storage period whereas the total number of fungi increased with the storage period, irrespective of treatments. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pigeonpea (cv. P. 991) remained above IMSCS ( greater than 75%) upto 18 months of storage under ambient storage condition. However, the germination of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 seed could be maintained above IMSCS ( greater than 75%) up to 12 months only. In chickpea (local cultivar) seed, the germination remained above IMSCS ( greater than 85%) up to 9 months only under ambient storage, however seed treatment with either Captan or Carbendazim could prolong the longevity upto 12 months of storage.

Size, imbibition, and viability of seeds of two creole melon (Cucumis melo L.) from the state of Guerrero, Mexico

Objective: To determine the physical and physiological characteristics of Creole melon seeds from the Costa Chica ofGuerrero.Design/Methodology/Approach: It was established under a completely randomized design, and Student’s t-tests (a=0.05) and correlation with Pearson’s test were performed. Viability and imbibition were carried out using the methodologies described by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).Results: Creole seeds of the two varieties presented a significant statistical difference (95% confidence level) in the physical quality variables. The imbibition ended at 18 and 32 h in V2 and V1, respectively, after being submerged in water. The humidity percentage was higher in V1 (7.19); while, V2 presented a higher percentage of germination and viability (96 and 90%, respectively). There is a positive association between the humidity and the physical dimensions of the seed and the germination and viability (r2=0.954) that is highly significant (P=0.003).Study Limitations/Implications: Morphological and taxonomic classification studies of the Creole genotypes of the Costa Chica region of Guerrero are required.Findings/Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between the physical and physiological quality of the Creole melon seeds.

Assessment of the effectiveness of storage structures for maintaining the quality of maize seed stored at different moisture levels

One of the main causes of food insecurity is the timely unavailability of quality seeds for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Improved storage technologies are effective in reducing storage losses. Thus, the objective of this research is to assess the traditional and emerging seed storage structures/materials for the maintenance of seed qualities. The effect of different storage conditions (moisture content of seed at the time of storage, i.e. 12±0.15% and 13.5±0.18%; storage containers such as metal bin, earthen pot, Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, and jute bag) on seed qualities of maize were assessed. The seed was collected from Chitwan, Nepal and a laboratory experiment was conducted at the central seed testing laboratory, seed quality control center (SQQC), Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. The experiment was done using a two-factor complete randomized design in a four replicates design. Data regarding the seed qualities (seed moisture percentage, germination percentage, root and shoot length, and vigor index) just before store and also at 45, 90, 135, 180, and 240 days after storage (DAS) was performed as per the standard followed by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The germination percentage, root, and shoot length decreased with increasing storage duration. The seed stored in the higher moisture level had significantly higher seed moisture throughout the storage duration. Seed stored in the traditional structures (jute bag and earthen pot) had lower seed moisture at 120 and 180 DAS. The seed stored at lower moisture resulted in a higher germination percentage, long root, and shoot length. Up to six months of storage germination of maize seeds stored in the earthen pots, PICS bag, and Jute bags were statistically similar. The traditional storage structures are equally effective for the maintenance of seed quality of maize.

RICE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT AS INFLUENCED BY CULTIVARS AND SEED PRIMING WITH POTASSIUM NITRATE

Poor crop establishment is one of the major constraints to obtain the higher potential of rice, particularly in areas prone to environmental stresses. Therefore, present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of potassium nitrate on germination dynamics, seedling growth and associated physiological and biochemical events of two rice cultivars. For this purpose, various seed priming treatments were tested in lab and greenhouse. The percent concentrations of potassium nitrate were 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 in both lab evaluation and greenhouse experiment. Non-primed seeds were maintained as a control for comparison. The results depicted that soaking rice seeds at higher concentrations of KNO3 could delay emergence time and final emergence (%) in both cultivars under lab and greenhouse conditions. Seed priming with 0.75% KNO3 significantly increased the stand establishment and seedling vigor attributes of both cultivars compared with other concentrations and naked rice seeds both in lab evaluation and greenhouse screening. Similarly, highest values for photosynthesis rate, evaporation rate and CO2 index were observed in experimental units receiving primed seeds with 0.75% KNO3 under greenhouse screening. Interestingly, no variance was observed among both rice cultivars. Overall, higher seed emergence, seedling vigor and associated biochemical attributes due to seed priming with 0.75% KNO3 was associated with decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and pyruvate decarboxylase (PDH) activities in lab and greenhouse screening.

Changes in the growth and antioxidant enzyme activity of seedlings originating from wheat seeds subjected to accelerated ageing test

Abstract. The objective of this study was to investigate the reaction processes of seedlings originating from wheat seeds after they were subjected to accelerated ageing, which imitated low-temperature storage. Germination, vigor, morphological characteristics, relative chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured in seedlings and young plants of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) after processes of accelerated ageing of the seeds. The ageing procedures of the seeds were done according to the standard conditions (40±0.5°C and 100% air relative humidity) of the International Seed Testing Association for 72 and 120 hours of treatments of the Bulgarian varieties Geya-1 and Sadovo 772. For the control were used seeds, which were not subjected to the accelerated ageing conditions. The coleoptile of 5 days seedlings and second leaf of 10 and 15 days plants in seedling stage, following the seed accelerated ageing procedure, was measured in the laboratory and the greenhouse. The seed germination rate and vigor, fresh and dry weight of growing coleoptiles were inhibited after different periods of ageing exposure and well correlated with increased accumulation of total hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde content, guaiacol peroxidase activity and rate of cells membrane stability index. The negative changes of chlorophyll content index, fresh and dry weight and leaf area of the leaves of young plants descending from aged seeds sowed in pots were found. It was established that the modern variety Geya-1 was more tolerant to the applied ageing condition than the older Sadovo 772. In conclusion, we considered that accelerated ageing could be used as a model for estimation of seed deterioration in wheat after long-term storage.

Seed Germination after 30 Years Storage in Permafrost.

More than 30 years ago, the Nordic Gene Bank established a long-term experiment on seeds stored under permafrost conditions in an abandoned mine corridor in Svalbard, as a tool to monitor storage life under these conditions. The study included seeds from 16 Nordic agricultural and horticultural crops, each represented by two or three cultivars (altogether 38 accessions). All seeds were ultra-dried to 3–5% moisture before being sealed in glass tubes. Germination tests were performed in accordance with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) protocols. At the initiation of the experiment, the samples showed good germination with the median value at 92%. The overall picture remained stable over the first twenty to twenty-five years. However, the variation became larger over time and at 30 years, the median value had dropped to 80%. At the lower end, with a high drop in germination, we found rye, wheat, and English ryegrass. At the upper end, we found Kentucky bluegrass and cucumber. The lowest germination was found in samples with the highest initial seed moisture levels. Pre-storage conditions are likely to be of major importance for longevity.

Viability of and germination test conditions for Schoenocaulon officinale seeds

ABSTRACT Schoenocaulon officinale , commonly known as Sabadilla, is a new world species, which has been an important medicinal plant for Native Americans, and it is currently economically important for the production of some homeopathic medicines. At present, research regarding Sabadilla has mainly been focused on systematics, quantitative analysis of alkaloid fraction, and its insecticidal and medicinal properties. A search in academic databases produced no literature on seed germination of S. officinale. Therefore, the main objectives of this research were to determine suitable germination test conditions and to assess the storability of S. officinale seeds. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride method was used to determine the viability of the seeds. Owing to the lack of methodology for this species, the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)’s rules for Allium cepa were used as the starting point. Seeds were stored at 6°C, and germination tests were carried out at 20°C, with permanent light. A thermo-gradient table was used to identify the optimum temperature for germination. Sabadilla seeds started to germinate 18 days after planting, and complete germination was achieved in 42 days. Best germination rates were achieved using constant temperatures between 19.2°C and 30.7°C and alternating temperatures between 10.0°C and 28.4°C. Results of the storability assessment indicated that loss of total viability was expected to occur in 2.5 years. We recommend a temperature of 25°C and permanent light and first and final count after 15 and 45 days to determine, respectively, germination and viability with the ISTA method described for A. cepa using longitudinally dissected seeds.

Effect of different priming treatments on seed germination of sago palm (Cycas revoluta L.)

King sago palm or sago cycas are the other name of Kangi palm ( Cycas revoluta ) sago palm has been used as an indoor and outdoor landscape plant for centuries. The present study was conducted to estimate the effect of different priming treatments on seed germination of sago palm ( Cycas revoluta L.) in the research area of Department of Horticulture PMAS, University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The Experiment consisted of ten treatments; the seeds without pulp were soaked in solution of 500, 750 and 1000 ppm GA 3 and 2%, 3% and 4% solution of KNO 3 for 24 hr at room temperature. In case of hot water treatment, seeds were primed at 80 o C, 90 o C and 100 o C for 30, 20 and 10 minutes respectively. The effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ) and hot water on various parameters like germination rate, germination percentage, germination value, decayed seed percentage, time of germination, number of leaves and seedling height were studied. Significant results of germination rate (55.56 days), germination value (192.19) were achieved from 500 ppm GA 3 . Maximum germination percentage (73.33%) and number of leaves (2) were observed in KNO 3 at 2% followed by 500 ppm GA 3 . Similarly lowest decayed seed percentage (26.66%) and time of germination (59.41 days) were noted in 2% KNO 3 . The seedling height was optimum (19.33 cm) in 3% KNO 3 followed by 2% KNO 3 . Best germination results were obtained due to permeability of hard seed coat made by low concentrations of priming treatments (KNO 3 @ 3%).

Determination of LD<sub>50</sub> Value of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek Cultivar- Naval

Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek is an important legume crop in India for Food as well as Fodder Purpose, enriched with good Proteins, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals. The demand of Vigna radiata is high in market today, so there is a need to enhance the productivity and area under cultivation. The Mutation Plant Breeding is the most popular, widely used and globally accepted method to improve the cultivars for high yield, early maturity, drought, salinity, heat, insect, disease tolerant/resistant, high nutritional and low antinutritional factors. Mutagens like; Ethyl Methane Sulphonate, Sodium Azide, Gamma Irradiation are used in Mutation Breeding to create variability. The present study has been carried out on the Vigna radiata, Cultivar-Naval. The first stage in the research was the determination of LD50 Value of the Cultivar Naval. It was carried out with different concentrations and time of intervals with mutagens like; EMS, SA and GR with including control as nil (without treatment). The parameters were studied in accordance with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules. The results showed variation in the studied parameters as compared to control.

Protocolo de análisis de viabilidad de semillas de chía mediante test de tetrazolio

La chía (Salvia hispanica L.) es una planta herbácea anual, perteneciente a la familia Lamiaceae, se destaca por ser el recurso natural de origen vegetal con mayor contenido de ácidos grasos conocidos hasta ahora. Para obtener éxito en la producción de semillas es necesario utilizar lotes de alta calidad, la cual puede ser evaluada, a través del vigor de estas, en la actualidad una de las principales exigencias para la evaluación del vigor se refiere a la obtención de resultados confiables en un período de tiempo relativamente corto. La prueba de tetrazolio se destaca por ser rápida y confiable. Sin embargo, la metodología para el género Salvia no es referenciada dentro de las normas de la International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), considerando estos hechos, se vuelve importante a la realización del experimento para el desarrollo de un protocolo que permita realizar este análisis. La investigación se realizó en el laboratorio de semillas de la Universidad Feneral de Pelotas, se utilizaron seis lotes de semillas negras de chía y se probaron cuatro concentraciones de sal de tetrazolio (0.075%, 0.1%, 0.5% y 1%) para evaluar la viabilidad de las semillas. El delineamiento experimental fue en bloques al azar, sometidos al análisis de varianza a través del test F y posteriormente las medias comparadas entre sí por el test de Tukey, al 5% de probabilidad, para comparación de las medias. La prueba de tetrazolio conducida en la concentración de 0.075% es eficiente para evaluar la viabilidad de las semillas de S. hispanica L., así como para diferenciar lotes con calidad fisiológica distinta.

Genetic structure analysis of leaf rust resistant triticale accessions from the VIR collection using gliadin patterns

The gliadin banding patterns of important accessions from the collection of the N. I. Vavilov All‑Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) registered in the form of “protein formulas” provide reliable information for the preparation of a “protein passport” for each accession and is convenient for storage and computer processing. It helps to control originality and integrity of accessions during regeneration and their use in breeding. The study involved 17 triticale accessions resistant to leaf rust. The analysis was carried out on single grains of the original accession (a sample of 13–26 kernels) according to the standard protocol adopted by VIR and approved by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The gliadin electrophoretic banding patterns of triticale accessions were registered in the form of “protein formulas”; polymorphism of each accession and genetic diversity within the collection were estimated, and genetic structure of accessions was identified based on the marker protein components. A large variety of the revealed genotypes opens a possibility to identify accessions that combine resistance with other useful traits. Stable and polymorphic accessions including from 2 to 7 biotypes were found. The discovery of interbiotype hybrids and recombinant genotypes in the composition of some polymorphic accessions indicates the instability of their genetic structure and the ongoing formation process. This is due to the heterogeneity of the original parental forms, the tendency to cross‑pollination and insufficiently thorough selection. The data on the triticale genotypic structure can be used in introgressive breeding to control the transfer of rye genetic material to wheat varieties in order to increase their immunity and resistance to adverse factors.

Improving pea quality with vermicompost tea and aqueous biochar: Prospects for sustainable farming in Southern Africa

One of the main factors responsible for successful sustainable food production is vigorous seedling establishment. The role of organic extracts (vermicompost tea and aqueous biochar) on improving seed performance has not been fully explored in South Africa. Pea seed germination and emergence experiments using different concentrations of organic extracts were conducted according to International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules, and arranged in completely randomised block designs with four replications. Vermicompost tea (VC) significantly improved seed germination and emergence percentages, speed of germination and emergence, and physiological processes compared with biochar (BC) and vermicompost tea with microbial supplements (augmented). In contrast, biochar improved seedling growth by 39% compared to vermicompost tea. Application of the BC and VC extracts led to a 12% and 18% increase in pea germination percentages respectively. Similarly, BC and VC extracts at 10% concentration were effective in yielding optimal photosynthetic responses. The 5% and 10% VC, or 2.5% BC extracts are recommended for improving speed of germination, optimal germination and emergence percentages of pea seeds. Application of these extracts will be beneficial for resource-poor farmers in marginal lands, since these organic extracts are cheaper, easier to produce and more environmental friendly than the available commercial fertilisers. This study has shown that vermicompost tea provides essential nutrients for pea seed establishment, thus negating the need to use chemical fertilisers for effective seedling establishment.

Diseño, construcción, verificación y prueba de un germinador de bajo costo

Los germinadores automatizados, son una herramienta indispensable para optimizar los procesos agrícolas. Sin embargo, tienen altos costos, por lo que se requiere el diseño, construcción y operación de aparatos con precios accesibles para pequeños productores. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue, diseñar, construir y verificar un prototipo de germinador de bajo costo, bajo las directrices de diseño de un prototipo. Dicho germinador, se construyó usando materiales disponibles en la región y es capaz de controlar automáticamente la temperatura y fotoperiodo mediante los circuitos W1401 y Tem-8 48386 respectivamente. Además, mediante conmutadores simples se puede controlar la intensidad lumínica. Adicionalmente, se construyó un verificador de temperatura con una tarjeta Arduino Uno. El sistema de verificación permitió el monitoreo de los cambios de temperatura en tiempo real (cada minuto). El prototipo se probó germinando semillas de Capsicum chinense, usando distintos volúmenes de agua de imbibición. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, el prototipo construido se ajusta a los requerimientos recomendados tanto por la International seed testing association (ISTA), como por la Food and Agriculture Organitation (FAO) para la evaluación de semillas, pero, además mostró un rendimiento mayor, en comparación con una incubadora comercial y aun costo de construcción y operación muy menor.

Occurrence of Anthracnose Disease of Turkey Berry (Solanum torvum) at Bunso, Eastern Region, Ghana

Aims: To identify the causal agent of anthracnose disease of Solanum torvum, determine whether the pathogen is seedborne and also to ascertain the cross infection potential of the pathogen on other Solanaceous crops of economic importance.
 Place and Duration of Study: Bunso, in the East Akim District of the Eastern Region of Ghana, between January and October, 2017.
 Methodology: The disease symptoms on matured fruits, leaves, stems and flowers of Solanum torvum were carefully observed for documentation with magnifying glasses and the naked eyes. The pathogen was isolated on PDA after incubation for five days and the identification was based on the colony, morphology and conidial characteristics with reference to laboratory manuals. The virulence of the fungal isolates from the S. torvum fruits was determined through pathogenicity tests. A seed health test was conducted in accordance with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) to determine whether the pathogen is seedborne. Conidial suspension of Colletotrichum acutatum (1×103 per ml) was used to inoculate pepper and eggplant fruits in a cross infectivity test.
 Results: Colletotrichum acutatum was repeatedly isolated and identified as the causal agent of the disease on the fruits and was also seedborne. In cross infectivity studies, the pathogen produced characteristic anthracnose symptoms on both eggplant and pepper which happens to belong to the same Solanaceae family just as the turkey berry. 
 Conclusion: The anthracnose disease of Solanum torvum at Bunso, in the Eastern Region of Ghana is caused by Colletotrichum acutatum that has the potential to cross infect other Solanaceous species. This study is the first scientific report of the occurrence of anthracnose disease of S. torvum in Ghana.

Exact theoretical distributions around the replicate results of a germination test

AbstractMany seed quality tests are conducted by first randomly assigning seeds into replicates of a given size. The replicate results are then used to check whether or not any problems occur in the realization of the test. The two main tools developed for this verification are the ratio of the observed variance of the replicate results to a theoretical variance and the tolerance for the range of the results. In this paper, we derive the theoretical distribution and its related properties of the sequence of numbers of seeds with a given quality attribute present in the replicates. From these theoretical results, we revisit the two quality checking tools widely used for the germination test. We show a precaution to be taken when relying on the variance ratio to check for under- or over-dispersion of the replicate results. This has led to the development of tables providing credible intervals of the variance ratio. The International Seed Testing Association tolerance tables for the range of the results are also compared with tolerances computed from the exact theoretical distribution of the range, leading us to recommend a revision of these tables.

APLIKASI METODE OVEN SUHU TINGGI TETAP DAN BENIH UTUH DALAM PENGUJIAN KADAR AIR BENIH KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis L. Jacq.)

Kadar air (KA) benih merupakan salah satu faktor penting yang menentukan tingkat viabilitas selama penyimpanan maupun pengecambahan benih. Oleh karena itu, kemampuan untuk menduga KA benih dengan tepat merupakan kebutuhan dasar bagi produsen kecambah. Bagi benih-benih berukuran besar seperti benih kelapa sawit, International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) mensyaratkan penggunaan oven suhu tinggi dan suhu rendah serta penerapan pemecahan benih untuk penentuan KA yang lebih tepat, sedangkan produsen menggunakan benih utuh untuk proses penentuan parameter tersebut. Hasil percobaan memperlihatkan bahwa benih-benih yang diuji dengan oven suhu rendah konstan memberikan nilai KA yang lebih tinggi dibanding KA yang diperlihatkan oleh metode oven suhu tinggi. Selain itu, benih yang dianalisis secara utuh memberikan nilai KA yang tidak berbeda nyata dengan KA benih yang dianalisis dengan metode pemecahan benih. Berdasar komponen penyusun, inti benih memiliki KA yang secara nyata lebih tinggi dibanding KA pada cangkang, baik menggunakan metode oven suhu rendah ataupun suhu tinggi. Percobaan lebih lanjut dibutuhkan mengingat luasnya keragaman ketebalan cangkang benih kelapa sawit.

Evaluation of the electrical conductivity of forest seeds after digestive tract of wild birds

The production of seedlings encompasses the need for knowledge of plant physiology, mainly related to seeds and their minutiae. The seed is the vehicle that carries the full genetic potential of a cultivar with superior characteristics. Vigor can be described as that seed property that determines its emergence under unfavorable conditions. According to the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The process of reforestation can happen through the production of seedlings and, through seed dispersal, this can occur due to the action of the plant itself (autochory), water (hydrochory), wind (anemochory), animals (zoochory), etc. The current work aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the individual electrical conductivity test to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of forest species after passage through the digestive tract of wild birds. The results allowed inferring that the forest seeds after digestive tract of wild birds presented low electrical conductivity at the individual level. Thus, the seeds in study no presented loss force after digestive tract of wild birds. Therefore, the birds only performed the role of individual dispersant.

Izmene ISTA pravila za ispitivanje klijavosti semena na početku 21. veka

The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was established in 1924 with the idea of standardization in seed testing worldwide. The first international rules for seed testing (ISTA Rules) were published in 1931. The development of ISTA Rules is constant. ISTA members are involved in the ongoing process of developing methods for seed sampling and testing. The methods are validated to ensure that test procedures provide reliable and reproducible results. Since 2001, ISTA Rules have been issued annually. ISTA accredited laboratories have to work according to valid ISTA Rules. In this paper, ISTA Rules changes in seed germination testing since 2001 were presented. Changes in testing methods, criteria for seedling evaluation, procedure of calculation and reporting of results are presented in detail. It can be concluded that the amendments to the ISTA Rules are necessary in order to harmonize seed testing and modern trends in seed trade.

Germination Percentage and Speed under International Seed Testing Association Conditions of Main Herbaceous Plants Used on the Slope

Germination Percentage and Speed under International Seed Testing Association Conditions of Main Herbaceous Plants Used on the Slope

Variabilidad intraespecífica en la calidad de semillas de especies forestales nativas en bosques montanos en el sur del Ecuador: Implicaciones para la restauración de bosques

Uno de los aspectos importantes a considerarse en la producción eficiente de plántulas con fines de restauración es la calidad de semillas y su variabilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros de semillas de acuerdo con las reglas del “International Seed Testing Association” entre diferentes árboles madre o individuos de siete especies nativas (Cedrela montana, Morella pubescens, Inga acreana, Tabebuia chrysantha, Ocotea heterochroma, Oreocallis grandiflora y Myrcianthes rhopaloides) en dos bosques de montaña del sur del Ecuador. Estas especies fueron seleccionadas por la importancia ecológica, socioeconómica, y su gran potencial para la restauración. De un total de 35 árboles madre de todas las especies, se colectaron las semillas en sus respectivos periodos de fructificación, y en el laboratorio fueron analizados los siguientes parámetros: pureza, peso, contenido de humedad y germinación; adicionalmente se determinó el coeficiente de velocidad de germinación. Los resultados mostraron una similitud intraespecífica en cada especie para la mayoría de los parámetros; no obstante, el peso presentó alta variabilidad intraespecífica para todas las especies. El parámetro germinación obtuvo diferencias entre individuos para C. montana, T. chrysantha, O. heterochroma y M. rophaloides. En cuanto a la velocidad de germinación, individuos de especies como O. grandiflora e I. acreana mostraron un alto coeficiente en contraste a los individuos de O. heterochroma y M. pubescens. La información generada en este estudio podría ser el primer paso en la formulación de pautas para la producción masiva de plántulas de especies nativas con fines de restauración.