Subsequent Seedling Growth Research Articles

Effect of Vanadium on Testa, Seed Germination, and Subsequent Seedling Growth of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Seed germination is the critical initial phase in the life cycle of plant and it is affected by various exogenous factors, including heavy metals. Seed germination and subsequent seedling growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) incubated in glass Petri dish in presence of elevated concentrations of pentavalent vanadium V(V) solution (0, 0.1, 0.5, 2, 4, 10, 50 mg L−1 V, supplied as NaVO3·2H2O) were evaluated. Results showed that vanadium did not (P > 0.05) affect seed germination, final survival rate, and seedling height of alfalfa when exogenously treated dosages were ≤ 10 mg L−1 V, whereas the root vitality and root elongation were distinctly inhibited at ≥ 0.5 mg L−1 V treatments. A progressively deepened testa color at increasing vanadium concentrations during germination and an apparent modified structure of the seed coat at 50 mg L−1 V compared to control in alfalfa were noted. Alfalfa seeds showed rapid and almost synchronous radicle emergence, independently of the vanadium concentration in the medium. The accumulation of vanadium in testa is beneficial to alleviate its toxicity to the seed germination of alfalfa. Leaf proline content was dramatically increased at ≥ 0.5 mg L−1 V treatments compared with the control. Emerged seedlings displayed enough vigor and health to potentially colonize in the vanadium-contained matrix. Thus, alfalfa represents a good candidate for phytoremediation approach aimed at decontaminating environments when vanadium concentrations are within the determined thresholds.

Influence of Cathodic Water Invigoration on the Emergence and Subsequent Growth of Controlled Deteriorated Pea and Pumpkin Seeds.

The quality of seeds in gene banks gradually deteriorates during long-term storage, which is probably, at least in part, a result of the progressive development of oxidative stress. Here, we report a greenhouse study that was carried out to test whether a novel approach of seed invigoration using priming with cathodic water (cathodic portion of an electrolysed calcium magnesium solution) could improve seedling emergence and growth in two deteriorated crop seeds. Fresh seeds of Pisum sativum and Cucurbita pepo were subjected to controlled deterioration to 50% viability at 14% seed moisture content (fresh weight basis), 40 °C and 100% relative humidity. The deteriorated seeds were thereafter primed with cathodic water, calcium magnesium solution and deionized water. In addition, to study the mechanism of the impacts of invigoration, the effects of such priming on the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase were also determined in the fresh and deteriorated seeds. All priming treatments improved seed emergence parameters, subsequent seedling photosynthesis and growth relative to the unprimed seeds. In general, cathodic water was most effective at invigorating deteriorated seeds. Analysis of the lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzyme activities in invigorated seeds provided support for the hypothesis that the effectiveness of cathodic water in invigoration of debilitated orthodox seeds in general and of pea and pumpkin seeds in particular derive from its ability to act as an antioxidant.

ZmDREB2A regulates ZmGH3.2 and ZmRAFS, shifting metabolism towards seed aging tolerance over seedling growth.

Seed aging tolerance and rapid seedling growth are important agronomic traits for crop production; however, how these traits are controlled at the molecular level remains largely unknown. The unaged seeds of two independent maize DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-BINDING2A mutant (zmdreb2a) lines, with decreased expression of GRETCHEN HAGEN3.2 (ZmGH3.2, encoding indole-3-acetic acid [IAA] deactivating enzyme), and increased IAA in their embryo, produced longer seedling shoots and roots, than the null segregant (NS) controls. However, the zmdreb2a seeds, with decreased expression of RAFFINOSE SYNTHASE (ZmRAFS) and less raffinose in their embryo, exhibit decreased seed aging tolerance, than the NS controls. Overexpression of ZmDREB2A in maize protoplasts increased the expression of ZmGH3.2, ZmRAFS genes and that of a Rennila LUCIFERASE reporter (Rluc) gene, which was controlled by either the ZmGH3.2- or ZmRAFS-promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that ZmDREB2A directly binds to the DRE motif of the promoters of both ZmGH3.2 and ZmRAFS. Exogenous supplementation of IAA to the unaged, germinating NS seeds increased subsequent seedling growth making them similar to the zmdreb2a seedlings from unaged seeds. These findings provide evidence that ZmDREB2A regulates the longevity of maize seed by stimulating the production of raffinose while simultaneously acting to limit auxin-mediated cell expansion.

Effect of Watering Frequency and Growth Media on Seed Germination and Subsequent Seedling of Cardamom (Elleteria Cardamom) at Tepi South-Western Part of Ethiopia

Cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum Maton - small ) is the queen of spices, in the home land for spices. Production is much lower mainly due to constraints such as lack of improved variety, Poor agronomic practices. The long duration taken for seed germination is considered as one of the major issues in the propagation of this crop. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the objective of determining growth media and watering frequency on seed germination and subsequent seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment was conducted at Tepi National Spices Research Center. A split plot design with three replications, Growth media seven levels (Forest soil; Top soil; Forest soil: Top soil; Forest soil: Compost; Top soil: Compost; Forest soil: Top soil : compost; Top soil: Compost) and four levels of watering frequency (every day , two , three & four days interval) were assigned as main and sub-plot, respectively. The interaction effect was highly significant (p < 0.05) for emergence of seedling. The highest seed germination percentage and speed of germination (85% and 2.94) respectively, were obtained under seeds sown in mixed forest and compost media combination in (2:1) ratio with watering frequency a day interval. It can be concluded that watering frequency every one day and media of a (2:1) forest soil and compost combinations improved both seed germination and growth of subsequent seedlings. Keywords : Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum , Seed germination, watering frequency, growth media DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-7-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Polyploidy affects the seed, dormancy and seedling characteristics of a perennial grass, conferring an advantage in stressful climates.

Polyploidy (the state of having more than two genome copies) is widely distributed in flowering plants and can vary within species, with polyploid races often associated with broad ecological tolerances. Polyploidy may influence within-species variation in seed development, germination and establishment. We hypothesized that interactions between polyploidy and the seed developmental environment would affect subsequent dormancy, germination and early growth traits, particularly in stressful environments. Using seeds developed in a common garden under ambient and warmed conditions, we conducted germination trials under drought and temperature stress, and monitored the subsequent growth of seedlings. The study species, Themeda triandra, is a widespread, keystone, Australian native grass and a known polyploid complex. Tetraploid plants produced heavier, more viable seeds than diploids. Tetraploids were significantly more dormant than diploids, regardless of seed developmental environment. Non-dormant tetraploids were more sensitive to germination stress compared to non-dormant diploids. Finally, tetraploid seedlings were larger and grew faster than diploids, usually when maternal plants were exposed to developmental temperatures atypical to the source environment. Seed and seedling traits suggest tetraploids are generally better adapted to stressful environments than diploids. Because tetraploid seeds of T.triandra are more dormant they are less likely to germinate under stress, and when they do germinate, seedling growth is rapid and independent of seed developmental environment. These novel results demonstrate that polyploidy, sometimes in interaction with developmental environment and possibly also asexuality, can have within-species variation in seed and seedling traits that increase fitness in stressful environments.

Spit it out: Monkeys disperse the unorthodox and toxic seeds of Clivia miniata (Amaryllidaceae)

AbstractSeeds of many Amaryllidaceae are unorthodox (recalcitrant) and toxic, and cannot survive ingestion, yet are packaged in brightly colored fruits suggestive of zoochory. Seed dispersal and germination of the understory amaryllid, Clivia miniata, were investigated in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Motion‐activated cameras revealed that samango monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) are the primary disperser of C. miniata seeds. They eat the mesocarp and, to a lesser extent, the exocarp, and spit the large (13 mm diameter) seeds whole and cleaned onto the forest floor. Most seeds were dispersed farther than 1 m from the parent. Experimental removal of the fruit pulp had a small positive effect on the rate of seed germination, but did not affect subsequent seedling growth rates. The main advantages of monkey dispersal of Clivia seeds appear to be short‐distance dispersal away from the dense foliage of clumped parent plants and occasional long‐distance dispersal through cheek‐pouching behavior.

Quantification of karrikins in smoke water using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography\u2013tandem mass spectrometry

BackgroundKarrikins (KARs) are plant growth regulators that promote seed germination and the subsequent growth and development of seedlings of many plant species. In nature they are generated and released by combustion of plant material and promote the restoration of burned ecosystems. Smoke water can be artificially prepared as a saturated extract of all substances in smoke produced by burning plants, and it has various horticultural and agricultural applications.ResultsWe have developed, validated and applied the first fast, specific and sensitive method, based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, for quantifying KARs in smoke water. To assist these efforts and further analyses, standards of the main KARs (which are not commercially available) were synthesized. Due to the complex matrix of smoke waters, two quantification approaches (standard dilution with a structural KAR analogue and standard addition) were compared. The standard addition method allowed absolute quantification of KARs in six of eight smoke water samples of diverse origins and ages.ConclusionsOur findings reveal differences in both total and relative levels of KARs in smoke water, and indicate that differences in its KAR composition may be linked to variations in its bioactivity.

Effect of Priming with Chitosan Nanoparticles on Germination, Seedling Growth and Antioxidant Enzymes of Broad Beans

This study investigated the effect of two different concentrations (0.05% and 0.1%) of chitosan nano-particles (CsNPs) as priming solutions (for 6 h) of Vicia faba seeds cv. Sakha 1, followed by germination and subsequent growth of seedlings for seven days. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using methacrylic acid and showed a mean size of 20 ± 2 nm. Both concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles caused deleterious effects on germination and seedling growth criteria. Germination was greatly reduced in both concentrations as compared to control (distilled water). The magnitude of decrease was much pronounced with the higher concentration of chitosan nanoparticles (0.1%). On the other hand, the lower concentration of CsNPs (0.05%) increased the content of total phenols and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) as compared with those of the control seedlings. This might indicate that the relatively low concentration of chitosan nanoparticles enhanced the defense system of seeds by increasing total phenols and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Effect of Priming with Chitosan Nanoparticles on Germination, Seedling Growth and Antioxidant Enzymes of Broad Beans

This study investigated the effect of two different concentrations (0.05% and 0.1%) of chitosan nano-particles (CsNPs) as priming solutions (for 6 h) of Vicia faba seeds cv. Sakha 1, followed by germination and subsequent growth of seedlings for seven days. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using methacrylic acid and showed a mean size of 20 ± 2 nm. Both concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles caused deleterious effects on germination and seedling growth criteria. Germination was greatly reduced in both concentrations as compared to control (distilled water). The magnitude of decrease was much pronounced with the higher concentration of chitosan nanoparticles (0.1%). On the other hand, the lower concentration of CsNPs (0.05%) increased the content of total phenols and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) as compared with those of the control seedlings. This might indicate that the relatively low concentration of chitosan nanoparticles enhanced the defense system of seeds by increasing total phenols and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Interactive Effect of Melatonin and Sodium Nitroprusside on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Catharanthus roseus under Cadmium Stress

In this study, impact of seed presoaking with melatonin and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (as a NO donor) was evaluated on seed germination and seedling growth of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don under both normal and Cd stress conditions. Results showed that 200 µM Cd reduced the relative seed germination, root elongation tolerance and seed germination tolerance index. The melatonin and SNP improved the seed germination, germination rate, seedling length, and vigor index under Cd stress in a dose-dependent manner and the maximum biological responses obtained by 100 μM melatonin and 200 μM SNP. However, 200–400 μM melatonin and 400 μM SNP negatively influenced the seed germination indices and seedling establishment. The cadmium suppressed the amylase activity and contents of soluble and reducing sugars in germinating seeds; thereby it reduced seed germination. Cd stress also decreased subsequent growth of seedlings and increased electrolyte leakage in them. These Cd-induced inhibitory effects were ameliorated by applying both melatonin and SNP. Importantly, melatonin as well as SNP was able to markedly boost the NO content in seeds. The addition of the specific scavenger of NO (cPTIO) reversed the protective effects conferred by melatonin, but inhibition of melatonin biosynthesis by p-CPA could not alleviate effects elicited by SNP completely, suggesting that NO plays role a downstream signal in melatonin-mediated germination responses especially under cadmium stress.

Soil properties that determine the mortality and growth of Haloxylon aphyllum in the Aral region, Kazakhstan

Black saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) is a native tree species tolerant of aridity and salinity. It is planted to alleviate environmental damage due to the formation of the Aralkum desert and improve vegetation of the Aral Sea region. To investigate the environmental factors that determine seedling mortality and growth after rooting, we focused on soil properties and topographic factors in a study plot. We found that a hard clay layer that was low in hydraulic conductivity underlay accumulated sandy sediments at different depths. The soil in low seedling mortality areas was consistently sandy and low in salinity from the surface to a depth of 100 cm. In areas of high seedling mortality (75–100%), soils with a high content of silt and clay, with high salinity were detected within 100 cm depths. This suggests that accumulated sand sediment over a depth of 100 cm is required for root development. Plant height was positively correlated with depth of the hard clay layer. Significant relationships with plant height were also detected in chemical and physical properties at 80–100 cm such as electric conductivity (ECe), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and sand ratio. However, these properties had no significant relationship at 0–20 cm or with the relative elevation of the plot, suggesting that the subsequent growth of seedlings depends more on the sub-soil environment than on-surface conditions. The assessment of sub-soil condition is recommended to make site selection for reforestation much more reliable.

Seedling Growth Pattern of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) as Influenced by Different Seed Scarification Treatments

Plant growth studies involve seed germination studies and this depends on seed viability and dormancy aspects, besides essential require-ments and factors for the same. Of the various factors involved in seed germination, dormancy plays a significant role. In guava, seed dormancy is more of physical nature (due to hard seed coat) than being physiological. An experiment was conducted from March-November, 2015 at the experimental orchard of the Department of Horticulture, CCSHAU, Hisar to study effect of different scarification treatments on guava seed germination and their effect on subsequent seedling growth. Three scarification methods were used i.e. water soaking (for 24, 48 and 72 hrs), hot water soaking (at 70, 80, 90 and 100°C) and sulphuric acid soaking (at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% dilution). Duration for hot water soaking and sulphuric acid soaking was kept as quick dip (5 seconds), 1 minute and 3 minutes. All these treatments significantly decreased days to emergence of seedling over control. Among the various scarification methods and durations used, treatment of guava seeds with 20%sulphuric acid for 3 minutes was judged best with maximum germination per cent (51.7%), Quick dip of guava seeds in 30%sulphuric acid resulted in better seedling growth with a maximum seedling height (42 cm) while maximum fresh weight of shoot (22.6 g) and maximum dry weight of shoot (8.81 g) was recorded in seedlings which were subjected to scarification treatment with quick dip at 90°C.

Characterization of the 3D structure of a cultivated land surface and its influence on wheat seedlings growth using Kinect

The quality of wheat emergence has a significant impact on the subsequent growth and development of seedlings. The structure of cultivated land surfaces is an important factor influencing wheat seedlings growth. However, few studies have investigated this. In this study, three-dimensional structural parameters of cultivated land surfaces were collected using 3D imaging equipment, and the effects of different grades of lands on the emergence and growth of wheat were evaluated. The evaluation criteria for the soil blocks was designed according to the ISO-25178-2 standard, and the wheat emergence rate, speed, tillering capacity per plant, dry weight per plant, and final yields of different grades of cultivated land were investigated. The results indicated that the three-dimensional information obtained through the Kinect sensors was reliable. The deviation of measured values from the factual values was trivial. The value of R2 was greater than 0.99**. The value of RMSE was less than 2 mm. These results describe a method for obtaining three-dimensional structures of land surfaces using 3D cameras and the evaluation of wheat emergence capacity. It can be used as a reference for obtaining three-dimensional cultivated land structures or other similar objects.

水稲品種の低温発芽性と初期生育との関係 : 第7報 過酸化石灰の籾粉衣処理が出芽と初期伸長の品種間差異に与える影響(年次会講演要旨)

水稲品種の低温発芽性と初期生育との関係 : 第7報 過酸化石灰の籾粉衣処理が出芽と初期伸長の品種間差異に与える影響(年次会講演要旨)

Storage, size and vigor of ‘Esther’ avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.)

Avocado seeds present high size variability. Larger seeds, such those of the ‘Esther’ variety, are preferred when nurse seeds are used. Even though they are considered recalcitrant seeds, they are stored for propagation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of three storage periods and three sizes of ‘Esther’ avocado seeds on vigor, in terms of electrolyte leakage, and seedling length and diameter. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized factorial design. The factors were time in storage (10, 30 and 100 d at 5 °C and 80% relative humidity) and seed size (small, medium and large). Electrolyte leakage was evaluated as a measure of seed vigor, growth and later development of the seedlings. Seeds stored for 30 and 100 d showed the highest electrolyte leakage but produced seedlings with a larger stem diameter than 10-day-old seeds. The seeds stored for 100 d generated seedlings with stems three times wider than the seedlings stored for 10 d. The changes observed in electrical conductivity showed differences between the different sizes and storage times of seeds. It is concluded that storage time had a positive effect on the growth of ‘Esther’ avocado seedlings (length and diameter of the stem) regardless of the seed size. Electrolyte leakage was affected by seed age and seed size but did not correlate with subsequent seedling growth.

Tree seedling richness, but not neighborhood composition, influences insect herbivory in a temperate deciduous forest community.

Insect herbivores can serve as important regulators of plant dynamics, but their impacts in temperate forest understories have received minimal attention at local scales. Here, we test several related hypotheses about the influence of plant neighborhood composition on insect leaf damage in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA. Using data on seedlings and adult trees sampled at 36 sites over an approximately 900 ha area, we tested for the effects of total plant density, rarefied species richness (i.e., resource concentration and dietary‐mixing hypotheses), conspecific density (i.e., Janzen–Connell hypothesis), and heterospecific density (i.e., herd‐immunity hypothesis), on the proportion of leaf tissue removed from 290 seedlings of 20 species. We also tested for the effects of generic‐ and familial‐level neighborhoods. Our results showed that the proportion of leaf tissue removed ranged from zero to just under 50% across individuals, but was generally quite low (<2%). Using linear mixed models, we found a significant negative relationship between insect damage and rarefied species richness, but no relationship with neighborhood density or composition. In addition, leaf damage had no significant effect on subsequent seedling growth or survival, likely due to the low levels of damage experienced by most individuals. Our results provide some support for the resource concentration hypothesis, but suggest a limited role for insect herbivores in driving local‐scale seedling dynamics in temperate forest understories.

Extensive variation, but not local adaptation in an Australian alpine daisy.

Alpine plants often occupy diverse habitats within a similar elevation range, but most research on local adaptation in these plants has focused on elevation gradients. In testing for habitat‐related local adaptation, local effects on seed quality and initial plant growth should be considered in designs that encompass multiple populations and habitats. We tested for local adaptation across alpine habitats in a morphologically variable daisy species, Brachyscome decipiens, in the Bogong High Plains in Victoria, Australia. We collected seed from different habitats, controlled for maternal effects through initial seed size estimates, and characterized seedling survival and growth in a field transplant experiment. We found little evidence for local adaptation for survival or plant size, based on three adaptation measures: Home versus Away, Local versus Foreign, and Sympatric versus Allopatric (SA). The SA measure controlled for planting site and population (site‐of‐origin) effects. There were significant differences due to site‐of‐origin and planting site effects. An important confounding factor was the size of plants directly after transplantation of seedlings, which had a large impact on subsequent seedling survival and growth. Initial differences in plant width and height influenced subsequent survival across the growing season but in opposing directions: wide plants had higher survival, but tall plants had lower survival. In an additional controlled garden experiment at Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, site‐of‐origin effects detected in the field experiments disappeared under more benign homogeneous conditions. Although B. decipiens from different source areas varied significantly when grown across a range of alpine habitats, these differences did not translate into a local or habitat‐related fitness advantage. This lack of local advantage may signal weak past selection, and/or weak adaptive transgeneration (plasticity) effects.

Effects of Eucalyptus litter and roots on the establishment of native tree species in Eucalyptus plantations in South China

Transforming plantation monocultures into sustainable, mixed-species forests that contain native species is an important goal in South China. The establishment of native species in Eucalyptus plantations is generally considered difficult, however, because of the potential allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus. In this study, a field trial with completely randomized block was conducted to determine the degree to which Eucalyptus litter and Eucalyptus roots limit the establishment of native trees in Eucalyptus plantations. Growth of seedlings of four native tree species (Schima superba, Michelia macclurei, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum camphora) that were tested was inhibited by Eucalyptus roots. Seedling emergence was less sensitive than subsequent seedling growth to inhibition by Eucalyptus roots. In contrast, litter enhanced the emergence and growth of seedlings of most of the tested species (Castanopsis chinensis, Elaeocarpus sylvestris, S. superba, Liquidambar formosana, C. burmannii, and C. camphora), suggesting that retaining litter on the forest floor may promote the establishment and growth of native tree species in Eucalyptus plantations. We propose the following strategies for establishing native tree species in Eucalyptus plantations: (1) direct sowing of the native tree species C. chinensis, Castanea henryi, Erythrophleum fordii, and C. camphora; (2) transplanting of E. sylvestris, S. superba, and Tsoongiodendron odorum, which had low germination rates but high seedling establishment rates; and (3) the exclusion of Eucalyptus roots via inter-row trenching to enhance the establishment of S. superba, L. formosana, C. burmannii, and C. camphora.

A seed dressing combining fungal endophyte spores and fungicides improves seedling survival and early growth in barley and oat

The use of beneficial fungi as crop inoculants is constrained by the need for application of fungicides because the pathogen controlling fungicides often concurrently suppress the efficacy of the beneficial mycobiont. Root endophytic fungi have been shown to improve agronomic traits in spring barley and may be less sensitive to the regularly applied foliar fungicides. We hypothesised that a consortium of fungal endophyte species applied as a seed spore dressing may improve the germination and subsequent growth of barley and oat seedlings. We tested a range of seed dressings to evaluate the effects of the endophytes: untreated seed, regular fungicidal dressing (triticonazole and prochloraz), endophyte seed spore dressing and a combination of endophyte and fungicide. We found significant increases in mean barley seedling length induced by the endophytes after 28 days of seedling growth at time points of up to 6 months from seed dressing. The increases in mean seedling length were greatest for the combined fungal endophyte and fungicide treatment. For the oat cultivar, we found even more substantial endophyte associated increases in mean seedling length. These results indicate that the endophytes tested here are persistent in a seed dressing, enhance early seedling growth, are fungicide tolerant and are competent in two different genera of cereal crops.

Germination and seedling performance of five native legumes of the Arabian Desert

Introducing nitrogen-fixing legumes in desert land could enhance rangeland productivity and help in soil reclamation. However, detailed information about germination and seedling performance of many desert legumes species is still lacking. We investigated these plant characteristics for five native legumes of the Arabian Desert in Qatar: Crotalaria aegyptiaca, Crotalaria persica, Rhynchosia minima, Senna alexandrina and Senna italica. Germination of the species was tested under laboratory conditions using different temperature and light treatments: 15/25, 20/30 and 25/35°C, in either continuous darkness or cycles of 12h light/12h darkness. The germination percentage recorded under the different temperature and light conditions was very low. Therefore, four scarification treatments, water soaking (12 and 24h) and concentrated sulfuric acid application (5 and 10min), were applied. The scarification treatments improved the germination of all the species. However, the different species did not equally respond to the scarification treatments tested. In general, the treatments with sulfuric acid were the most effective. Subsequent seedling survival and growth were evaluated under greenhouse and field (nursery) conditions. All the studied species exhibited higher seedling survival inside (69–96%) than outside the greenhouse (53–89%). Regarding growth, these species did not show much difference in terms of shoot and root length when placed in the greenhouse or the nursery. However, the species showed differences in biomass allocation (aboveground vs. belowground biomass) between greenhouse and nursery but with species-specific responses. The information provided here on scarification requirements and seedling survival and biomass allocation as dependent on the growth environment is helpful for conservation and landscape agencies interested in using these species for conservation, restoration and landscaping projects.