西双版纳白背桐次生林土壤种子库、种子雨研究

 本文讨论了西双版纳常见的次生林白背桐(Mallotus paniculatus )林的土壤种子库和种子雨的组成及动态。结果表明该林地的种子雨年输入量为745粒/m2,土壤种子库储量在雨季末期为3345±438粒/m2,旱季末期为4555±554粒/m2,种子雨的输入高峰出现在旱季,导致旱季末期土壤种子库储量大于雨季末期。森林破碎化导致的隔离效应阻碍了种子的传播途径,使土壤种子库储量下降,种子雨和土壤种子库中鸟类传播的种子比例增大。传播成熟林树种的大型动物到达不了该样地,植被的演替受到了阻碍。     

福建闽清福建青冈天然林种子雨和种子库

对福建闽清黄楮林自然保护区的福建青冈(Cyclobalanopsis chungii)天然林的种子雨和土壤种子库进行了观测和分析.结果表明,福建青冈种子雨持续2个月,其高峰期在11月下旬～12月上旬,总量为12.44个m~(-2),在种子散布过程中完好种子、虫蛀种子、败育种子、霉烂种子和萌发种子的比例差异明显,其中虫蛀种子是萌发种子的19.44倍.土壤种子库中虫蛀种子占53.79%,与种子雨相比,完好种子和萌发种子数量分别减少2.15个m~(-2)和0.20个m~(-2).土壤种子库种子存活率仅13.51%,动物捕食率达45.90%,说明动物的捕食和搬运是福建青冈种子缺失的原因之一.福建青冈天然林土壤种子库有69种植物种子,但种子数量较少,且分布不均匀,种子库中78.42%种子分布在2～5 cm土层中.福建青冈天然林中实生幼苗少与福建青冈种子本身特性及其生长环境密切相关,福建青冈种子发育成熟后因动物侵扰、虫蛀、霉烂和败育等情况发生,难以在土壤中长期保存,以致福建青冈林分天然更新严重受阻.     

川西米亚罗亚高山云杉林种子雨和土壤种子库研究

 对川西米亚罗亚高山20、30、60年人工云杉(Picea asperata)林及天然林的种子雨和土壤种子库进行了研究。结果表明：该区云杉种子雨一般从每年的10月初开始下落,一直到翌年的1月底结束,但不同林龄的云杉种子雨强度不同,60年人工林种子雨量最大,然后依次为30年人工林、天然林、20年人工林,其大小分别为(1 088.16±52.34)粒•m－2、(973.45±63.12)粒•m－2、(579.99±28.93)粒•m－2、(66.73±5.71)粒•m－2。云杉降雨历程与其林龄大小也有一定的关系,表现在种子雨发生时间和降雨高峰期的不同。30、60年人工云杉林及天然林下土壤种子库存在显著差异,两次取样（2003年3月26日和2003年8月21日）土壤种子库大小分别为(507.2±40.32)粒•m－2和(267.6±25.14)粒•m－2、(1 065.6±88.06)粒•m－2和(872.8±77.12)粒•m－2、(472.8±20.82)粒•m－2和(185.5±22.48)粒•m－2。土壤种子库中云杉种子主要都集中在枯枝落叶层,占66%左右,0～2 cm层占24%左右,2～5 cm层占10%左右。到8月21日,土壤中所有云杉种子都失去活力,腐烂死亡和动物取食是种子库损耗的主要因素。云杉种子库属于Thompson和Grime定义的第Ⅱ类。该区云杉幼苗一般在6月初开始出现,6月中旬左右达到出苗高峰,3种云杉林下幼苗密度差异很大,60年人工林下幼苗最多,其次为30年人工林和天然林。由于生境适合度低,死亡的幼苗数量较多,特别是自然死亡数。综合种子雨、种子库和转换的幼苗数量几个方面来看,在一定龄级范围内,人工林结实能力和更新潜力随林龄增加而增加,且人工林在更新潜力方面比天然林（约150年）要好。虽然该区云杉林下有大量种子下落,但由于种子大量损耗和幼苗死亡,种子萌发为幼苗再通过环境筛作用而最终补充到云杉种群的个体数量非常有限。     

包衣、埋藏的栓皮栎和枹栎种子在鼠类捕食下的存留

鼠类对壳斗科植物种子的捕食作用十分强烈,从而影响此类植物的更新.栓皮栎和枹栎是中国西南地区常绿阔叶林主要树种,不仅有重要的经济价值,而且还可用于植树造林.对栓皮栎和枹栎种子分别进行包衣地表、无包衣地表、包衣埋藏和无包衣埋藏等4种处理,并跟踪各种处理种子被鼠类捕食的情况.结果表明:各处理之间种子的中位存留时间显著不同,包衣埋藏后的种子存留时间显著长于未包衣且放置于地表的种子,埋藏显著地降低了鼠类对这2种种子的捕食;埋藏及包衣处理能够很好地保护栓皮栎和枹栎种子免于鼠类的捕食,有利于种子存留并萌发建成幼苗.该方法可用于人工播种造林以提高造林成活率.     

六盘山区辽东栎的实生苗更新及其影响因子

研究了六盘山区辽东栎(Quercus liaotungensis)灌丛的种子产量、土壤种子库组成、湿沙和风干贮藏对种子寿命的影响以及动物取食子叶对种子萌发和幼苗建立的影响。结果表明, 辽东栎灌丛种子的完好率为27.51%, 被动物取食或搬运种子的比例(41.51%)显著高于其他类型种子(p < 0.01); 辽东栎次生林土壤种子库中萌发和虫蛀种子分别占35.16%和38.29%, 完好种子仅占13.65%, 捕食动物主要通过贮藏或搬运而影响土壤种子库中的种子密度。湿沙贮藏60天的辽东栎种子自动萌发率高达96.67%, 短期贮藏可加快种子的萌发进程, 提高萌发率和萌发指数, 但随着贮藏时间的延长, 种子萌发进程延迟, 萌发率、萌发指数和活力指数均不同程度地降低。排除动物取食处理的幼苗在林窗和林下生境的存活率分别为80%和83%, 而不排除动物取食幼苗在2种生境中分别仅有25%和31%能够存活, 表明子叶在幼苗建立中具有重要作用。林窗中幼苗子叶的动物取食率(85.00%)高于林下(71.00%), 子叶留存的幼苗在林窗中的存活率(6.00%)低于林下(15.50%), 而子叶被取食幼苗的存活率在两种环境中基本相等(分别为18.50%和18.00%)。     

天然次生林中水曲柳种子库的空间格局与过程

 研究土壤种子库的空间格局与过程是认识林木更新的基础。应用地统计学方法定量分析了东北林业大学帽儿山实验林场天然次生林中土壤种子库水曲柳（Fraxinus mandshurica）种子的统计特征、空间格局、尺度和格局的变化过程。结果表明,落种后水曲柳种子库的平均密度有很大变幅（5.8～105个·m-2）,平均年削减率为91.6%～92.7%,5～8月的削减率高达98%以上。变异函数分析及理论模型拟合显示,一年之内种子库的空间格局强度及尺度变化非常明显。种子雨可形成较强的异质性格局,空间自相关尺度较大,为36.     

橡胶树在西双版纳引种区的种子捕食与散布

在纯橡胶林、胶-竹复合林、沟谷季节雨林、次生林及毗邻次生林的橡胶林共5种不同生境中释放标记的橡胶树种子,观测种子捕食者以及种子被捕食、埋藏和扩散情况。结果表明:纯橡胶林和沟谷季节雨林内的橡胶树种子大多数都原地存留(80%和98%),而胶-竹复合林内几乎100%的种子均被捕食;次生林内释放的橡胶树种子捕食率也几为100%,而毗邻次生林的橡胶林种子捕食率约50%;卡方检验表明,胶-竹复合林的种子捕食率显著高于沟谷季节雨林和纯橡胶林,次生林内显著高于毗邻的橡胶林(P0.001)。绝大多数橡胶树种子被捕食者原地或搬运后取食,仅有少量种子被埋藏。大多数种子(80%)被搬运距离在10 m以内。红外感应相机拍摄和饲喂实验发现,黄胸鼠(Rattus tanezumi)和红刺鼠(Rattus surifer)为主要的种子捕食者。可见,在西双版纳引种区橡胶树种子主要是被小型鼠类取食,但捕食强度较大,而被埋藏种子比例很低,散布距离较短(10 m)。     

秦岭北坡不同生境栓皮栎种子雨和土壤种子库动态

为了阐明栓皮栎种子雨和种子库动态,以秦岭北坡林下、林窗、林缘3种生境栓皮栎天然林为对象,采用离地和地面收集种子的方法,连续定位观测了栓皮栎种子雨、种子库的数量、质量动态,以及幼苗发育过程.结果表明:栓皮栎种子雨从8月中旬开始,9月中旬到10月上旬达到高峰期,11月上旬结束;3种生境种子雨降落历程、发生时间和组成不同;林下种子雨强度最大,为(39.55±5.56)粒·m-2,林窗种子雨降落时间最早,持续时间最长,种子活力最高,而林缘成熟种子占其种子雨的比例最大,达58.7％.从种子雨降落结束到翌年8月,土壤种子库总储量均以林下最大,林缘最小;各生境的土壤种子库中成熟、未成熟、被啃食种子数量和种子活力均随时间变化呈递减趋势,而霉烂种子数量则相反.各生境的土壤种子库中的种子均主要集中在枯落物层,其次为0～2 cm土层,2～5 cm土层中只有极少量种子存在.3种生境中栓皮栎幼苗的密度差异显著,林窗幼苗最多,林缘次之,林下最少.说明林窗更适合栓皮栎种子的萌发和幼苗生长.在栓皮栎林的经营中,通过适当间伐、增加林窗数量,可以促进栓皮栎林的天然更新.     

种子产量对鼠类扩散栓皮栎坚果的影响

为了解林木种子产量对鼠类种子扩散行为的影响,于2008 年和2009 年,在国有济源市愚公林场调查了栓皮栎的种子雨;在每年的种子雨结束后,选择次生林生境,研究了鼠类对人工释放栓皮栎坚果的扩散,旨在探讨种子产量与种子扩散间的关系。结果表明:1)取食栓皮栎坚果的鼠类主要有大林姬鼠、社鼠和岩松鼠,2008 年的鼠类捕获率(2% )低于2009 年(10%),其差异并未达到显著性水平;2)栓皮栎的种子雨构成和产量存在年际差异,2008 年以完好种子为主且产量高于2009 年,而2009 年以败育种子为主;3)2008 年人工释放栓皮栎坚果的中位存留时间显著高于2009 年;4)2008 年鼠类对栓皮栎坚果的平均扩散距离显著低于2009 年,且两年的搬运距离几乎都集中在9 m 以内;5)2008 年鼠类对栓皮栎坚果的埋藏比例显著高于2009 年。结果提示,在种子高产年份,可能有较多的种子逃脱动物的取食,从而增加种子萌发和幼苗建成的机会,最终促进植物的更新。     

文峪河上游华北落叶松林的种子雨、种子库与幼苗更新

华北落叶松林下更新不良,为探究其制约因素,开展了山西省文峪河上游5个华北落叶松林分的种子雨、土壤种子库和幼苗更新的研究。结果表明:(1)华北落叶松种子主要集中于9—10月散落。2011年为华北落叶松种子丰年:种子产量高,种子雨密度达(961.93±377.40)粒/m2;种子质量高,完整种子占(89.31±16.13)%。2012年为种子平年,种子产量低,种子雨密度为(252.73±115.12)粒/m2。华北落叶松种子雨主要源于毗邻树木,华北落叶松纯林和落叶松云杉林的种子雨密度显著高于其他3个针阔混交林。(2)土壤种子库主要由上年种子雨组成,2012年4月的土壤种子库密度为(695.18±297.23)粒/m2,完整种子占(59.73±9.56)%。种子自然萌发前,约(78.98±24.76)粒/m2具发芽力,基本可满足更新需要。但种子活力保持期少于2 a,只能形成短期持久土壤种子库。(3)华北落叶松更新不良,种子年后仍难以实现幼苗建成,当年生幼苗的出现频度平均为1.6%,且林下难以存活。幼苗发生与种子储量关联性不强,种源条件不是制约华北落叶松更新的主要因素。     

International principles and standards for native seeds in ecological restoration

The growing demand for native seeds in ecological restoration and rehabilitation, whether for mining, forest, or ecosystem restoration, has resulted in a major global industry in the sourcing, supply, and sale of native seeds. However, there are no international guidance documents for ensuring that native seeds have the same standards of quality assurance that are regular practice in the crop and horticultural industries. Using the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration as a foundation document, we provide for the first time a synthesis of general practices in the native seed supply chain to derive the Principles and Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration (“Standards”). These practices and the underpinning science provide the basis for developing quality measures and guidance statements that are adaptable at the local, biome, or national scale. Importantly, these Standards define what is considered native seed in ecological restoration and highlight the differences between native seeds versus seeds of improved genetics. Seed testing approaches are provided within a logical framework that outline the many different dormancy states in native seed that can confound restoration outcomes. A “pro‐forma” template for a production label is included as a practical tool that can be customized for local needs and to standardize reporting to end‐users on the level of seed quality and germinability to be expected in a native seed batch. These Standards are not intended to be mandatory; however, the guidance statements provide the foundation upon which regulatory approaches can be developed by constituencies and jurisdictions.     

含水量对种子贮藏寿命的影响

建立以收集种子为主体的基因库乃是当今保护植物种质资源最为普遍且可靠易行的方式,在世界库存约 61 0 0 0 0 0份种质资源中,近 90 %是以种子形式保存于约 1 30 0个基因库中。低温贮藏仍是目前基因库中种子种质保存的主要方法。种子含水量和贮藏温度是影响种子在贮藏期间生活力和活力保持的关键因素。传统的经验认为控制温度比控制水分来得安全有效,因而趋向于向低温或超低温的贮藏方向发展。国际植物遗传资源研究所（ＩＰＧＲＩ）曾推荐 5%～ 6%的含水量和 - 1 8～- 2 0℃低温作为各国长期保存种子的理想条件。目前,世界各国都把更多的…     

Lack of adequate seed supply is a major bottleneck for effective ecosystem restoration in Chile: friendly amendment to Bannister et al. (2018)

We argue that the need for a quality seed supply chain is a major bottleneck for the restoration of Chile's native ecosystems, thus supplementing the list of bottlenecks proposed by Bannister et al. in 2018. Specifically, there is a need for defining seed transfer zones, developing standards and capacities for properly collecting and storing seeds, reducing information gaps on seed physiology and longevity, and implementing an efficient seed supply chain with certification of seed origin and quality. Without such capacities, countries are unlikely to meet their restoration commitments. Although we focus on bottlenecks in Chile, the issues we raise are relevant to other countries and thus the global agenda for ecological restoration.     

Seed survival of the tropical tree Cryptocarya aschersoniana (Lauraceae): Consequences of habitat disturbance

Seed survival in soil could be strongly influenced by habitat characteristics, but little is known about the behaviour of seeds sensitive to desiccation in seed banks installed in natural or disturbed habitats. Cryptocarya aschersoniana seeds disperse at the end of the rainy season but do not germinate immediately; thus, they may form seed banks in soil. This study evaluated the behaviour of C. aschersoniana seed banks induced in the natural environment of the species and in a disturbed area. Recently harvested C. aschersoniana germination units were characterized according to their water content, germination and viability. In 2011 and 2012, seed banks were established by burying samples of seeds in the understory of a semi‐deciduous forest. In 2012, samples were also buried in a disturbed area. The seed banks were sampled at certain time intervals, and the samples were characterized as described above. Precipitation and air temperature data were collected. As a result, seeds in the seed bank established in the natural environment form a transient seed bank and showed the same behaviour in both years studied. A germination peak was observed starting 210 days after burial (coinciding with the onset of the rainy season) and reached germination percentages higher than 80% at the end of the experiment for both years. Seed mortality did not exceeded 28% in the natural environment. However, in the disturbed environment, the seeds lost their viability more rapidly, with 90% of the seeds becoming unviable 240 days after burial. Germinated seeds in the disturbed environment (maximum 21%) were not able to establish seedlings. These results underscore the importance of maintaining a natural, undisturbed forest for the conservation of this species.     

Latitude, seed predation and seed mass

Aim We set out to test the hypothesis that rates of pre‐ and post‐dispersal seed predation would be higher towards the tropics, across a broad range of species from around the world. We also aimed to quantify the slope and predictive power of the relationship between seed mass and latitude both within and across species. Methods Seed mass, pre‐dispersal seed predation and post‐dispersal seed removal data were compiled from the literature. Wherever possible, these data were combined with information regarding the latitude at which the data were collected. Analyses were performed using both cross‐species and phylogenetic regressions. Results Contrary to expectations, we found no significant relationship between seed predation and latitude (log₁₀ proportion of seeds surviving predispersal seed predation vs. latitude, P = 0.63; R² = 0.02; n = 122 species: log₁₀ proportion of seeds remaining after postdispersal seed removal vs. latitude, P = 0.54; R² = 0.02; n = 205 species). These relationships remained non‐significant after variation because of seed mass was accounted for. We also found a very substantial (R² = 0.21) relationship between seed mass and latitude across 2706 species, with seed mass being significantly higher towards the tropics. Within‐species seed mass decline with latitude was significant, but only about two‐sevenths, as rapid as the cross‐species decline with latitude. Results of phylogenetic analyses were very similar to cross‐species analyses. We also demonstrated a positive relationship between seed mass and development time across ten species from dry sclerophyll woodland in Sydney (P < 0.001; R² = 0.77; Standardized Major Axis slope = 0.14). These data lend support to the hypothesis that growing period might affect the maximum attainable seed mass in a given environment. Main conclusions There was no evidence that seed predation is higher towards the tropics. The strong relationship between seed mass and latitude shown here had been observed in previous studies, but had not previously been quantified at a global scale. There was a tenfold reduction in mean seed mass for every c. 23° moved towards the poles, despite a wide range of seed mass within each latitude.     

Seed storage at elevated partial pressure of oxygen, a fast method for analysing seed ageing under dry conditions

Background and Aims

Despite differences in physiology between dry and relative moist seeds, seed ageing tests most often use a temperature and seed moisture level that are higher than during dry storage used in commercial practice and gene banks. This study aimed to test whether seed ageing under dry conditions can be accelerated by storing under high-pressure oxygen.

Methods

Dry barley (Hordeum vulgare), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and soybean (Glycine max) seeds were stored between 2 and 7 weeks in steel tanks under 18 MPa partial pressure of oxygen. Storage under high-pressure nitrogen gas or under ambient air pressure served as controls. The method was compared with storage at 45 °C after equilibration at 85 % relative humidity and long-term storage at the laboratory bench. Germination behaviour, seedling morphology and tocopherol levels were assessed.

Key Results

The ageing of the dry seeds was indeed accelerated by storing under high-pressure oxygen. The morphological ageing symptoms of the stored seeds resembled those observed after ageing under long-term dry storage conditions. Barley appeared more tolerant of this storage treatment compared with lettuce and soybean. Less-mature harvested cabbage seeds were more sensitive, as was the case for primed compared with non-primed lettuce seeds. Under high-pressure oxygen storage the tocopherol levels of dry seeds decreased, in a linear way with the decline in seed germination, but remained unchanged in seeds deteriorated during storage at 45 °C after equilibration at 85 % RH.

Conclusions

Seed storage under high-pressure oxygen offers a novel and relatively fast method to study the physiology and biochemistry of seed ageing at different seed moisture levels and temperatures, including those that are representative of the dry storage conditions as used in gene banks and commercial practice.     

Seed storage: maintaining seed viability and vigor for restoration use

Effective seed storage after sourcing (harvesting or purchasing) is critical to restoration practitioners and native seed producers, as it is key to maintaining seed viability. Inadequate seed storage can lead to a waste of both natural and economic resources when seeds of poor quality are sown. When working with native species with unknown storage behavior, general assumptions can be made based on studies on related species, and standard practices may be applied with caution; however, an investigation should be conducted to understand if specific storage requirements are needed and for how long seeds can be stored before they lose significant viability. In this paper of the Special Issue Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration, we provide an overview of the key concepts in seed storage and the steps to take for effective storage of native seeds for restoration use.     

不同种子预处理对10种沙拐枣植物萌发的影响

为了确定沙拐枣植物种子的萌发特性及最优播前预处理方法,在实验室条件下,对10种沙拐枣植物的种子进行了磨砺、硫酸和热水浸泡、冷藏、种子浸出液处理,然后进行发芽实验研究。萌发实验的结果表明,10种沙拐枣植物对于不同的种子预处理,均表现出相似的萌发反应。磨砺、硫酸浸泡和冷藏处理对种子萌发有明显地促进作用。与对照相比,种子浸出液处理对种子的发芽率、发芽速度均具有明显地抑制作用,并能增强种子的休眠。冷藏处理具有打破有活力的种子休眠、促进种子萌发的作用,但它与热水浸泡处理一样,对有活力种子表现出一定的致死作用。沙拐枣植物的萌发模式在不同种子预处理问均表现出明显的差异性。机械磨擦和硫酸处理能够促进种子的萌发率及发芽势。泡果沙拐枣(Callingonum junceum)在本项实验中表现出很强的萌发能力。     

Seed dynamics of resprouting shrubs in grassy woodlands: Seed rain,predators and seed loss constrain recruitment potential

Abstract Measuring the fate of seeds between seed production and seedling establishment is critical in understanding mechanisms of recruitment limitation of plants. We examined seed fates to better understand the recruitment dynamics of four resprouting shrubs from two families (Fabaceae and Epacridaceae) in temperate grassy woodlands. We tested whether: (i) pre‐dispersal seed predation affected seed rain; (ii) post‐dispersal seed predation limited seed bank accumulation; (iii) the size of the seed bank was related to seed size; and (iv) viable seeds accumulated in the soil after seed rain. There was a distinct difference in seed production per plant between plant families with the legumes producing significantly more seeds per individual than the epacrids. Seed viability ranged from 43% to 81% and all viable had seed or fruit coat dormancy broken by heat or scarification. Pre‐dispersal predation by Lepidopteran larvae removed a large proportion of seed from the legume seed rain but not the epacrids. Four species of ants (Notoncus ectatomoides, Pheidole sp., Rhytidoponera tasmaniensis and Iridomyrmex purpureus) were major post‐dispersal seed removers. Overall, a greater percentage of Hardenbergia (38%) and Pultenaea (59%) seeds were removed than the fleshy fruits of Lissanthe (14%) or Melichrus (0%). Seed bank sizes were small (<15 seeds m^?2) relative to the seed rain and no significant accumulation of seed in the soil was detected. Lack of accumulation was attributed to seed predation as seed decay was considered unlikely and no seed germination was observed in our study sites. Our study suggests that seed predation is a key factor contributing to seed‐limited recruitment in grassy woodland shrubs by reducing the number of seeds stored in the soil.