黄土高原子午岭油松林的种子雨和土壤种子库动态

对黄土高原区子午岭不同林龄(18a、29a、40a、54a)油松(Pinus tabulaeformis carr.)人工林及天然林(约75a)的种子雨和土壤种子库进行了研究.结果表明,该区油松种子雨一般从每年9月初开始,一直到11月底结束,种子雨降落历程与林龄大小有关,种子雨发生时间和降落高峰期有所不同.不同林龄的油松种子雨强度不同,种子雨总量大小顺序为:40a人工林((489 9±8.64)粒· m-2)＞29a人工林((346.8±7.45)粒· m-2)＞54a人工林((327.1±8.13)粒· m-2)＞天然林((146.9±5.25)粒· m-2)＞18a人工林((78.1±2.72)粒· m-2).种子雨总量随林龄的增加而增加,约40a时达到高峰,种子雨活力也以40a时最高.不同林龄油松林土壤种子库存在显著差异,其中18a人工林种子库最小,40a人工林种子库最大.从种子雨降落到次年4月,5种林分土壤种子库总量下降了42.34%～53.59%,空粒种子增加了26.72%～48.69%;从4月到8月份种子腐烂率由10.28%～13 62%增加到57.25%～63.28%.动物的搬运、取食和种子腐烂死亡是种子库损耗的主要因素.土壤种子库中的油松种子主要集中在枯枝落叶层,其次为0～2cm层,2～10cm层种子最少.到8月中旬,土壤中98.26%的油松种子都已丧失活性.不同林分下油松幼苗的密度差异较大,40a人工林下幼苗最多,其余依次为29a人工林、54a人工林和天然林,18a人工林下的实生苗极少,幼苗死亡率极高.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,40a时更新潜力最大.虽然有大量种子下落,但由于种子大量损耗和幼苗死亡,通过环境筛作用而最终可以成熟的个体数量十分有限.     

天然东北红豆杉土壤种子库研究

在黑龙江省穆棱东北红豆杉自然保护区内,对10株天然东北红豆杉结实母树冠下的土壤种子库进行了调查分析.结果表明:东北红豆杉土壤种子库中的种子数量在垂直方向和水平方向上都表现出明显的规律性.在不同深度土层中的种子数量差异显著(p＜0.05).枯枝落叶层及0～5cm土层集中了最大量的种子,占总量的84%,随土层深度的增加,种子数量逐渐减少,15cm以下极少有种子出现.土壤种子库中具有活力的种子数量极少,不到总量的1%.种子丧失活力的首要原因是被昆虫和啮齿类动物啃食,占损失量的52%,其次是腐烂,占29%.在水平方向上,东北红豆杉种子具有近母株分布的特点,且在不同方向上种子数量差异极显著(p＜0.01).当年下落到地面的东北红豆杉种子,按远离母株的顺序,种子数量逐渐减少;在围绕母株的八个方向上,东向的种子数量最多,其次是东北、北和东南方向,西面的种子数量最少.当年下落的3%的完好种子补充到土壤种子库中.自然条件下,东北红豆杉以种子繁殖,土壤种子库是其自然更新及种群恢复的重要基础,本研究结果对于东北红豆杉濒危机制的探索及种群恢复具有重要的理论意义.     

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.     

秦岭中段不同坡向锐齿栎种子雨、土壤种子库与幼苗更新

以秦岭中段不同坡向(阳坡、半阳坡、半阴坡及阴坡)锐齿栎天然林为对象,对锐齿栎种子雨、种子库的数量、质量动态以及幼苗发育过程进行研究.结果表明: 锐齿栎种子雨一般从8月中旬开始,9月中下旬到10月上旬达到高峰期,11月中上旬结束;不同坡向的种子雨降落历程、发生时间和组成不同;半阳坡种子雨强度最大,为134.13粒·m^-2,其余大小依次为阳坡、半阴坡、阴坡;阳坡种子雨降落时间最早、持续时间最长,高峰期持续时间也最长,阴坡种子雨降落时间最晚、持续时间最短,高峰期持续时间也最短;种子活力及成熟种子占其种子雨的比例大小顺序为半阳坡>阳坡>半阴坡>阴坡.从种子雨降落结束到翌年8月,各坡向土壤种子库总储量大小顺序均为半阳坡>阳坡>半阴坡>阴坡;各坡向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,而霉烂种子数量增加;各坡向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,而在2~5 cm土层中只有极少量种子存在.4种坡向中锐齿栎幼苗的密度差异显著,半阳坡幼苗最多,其余依次是阳坡、半阴坡和阴坡.半阳坡更适合锐齿栎种子的萌发和幼苗生长.     

海南霸王岭陆均松种子雨和土壤种子库特征

为了解陆均松(Dacrydium pierrei)的自然更新能力,对海南霸王岭陆均松进行为期3年的种子雨、种子库及幼苗幼树观测,并分析其与环境因子的关系。结果表明,陆均松种子雨和种子库有效种子数量太少并存在季节性差异;其结实存在大小年现象;种子雨的扩散密度随着距母树距离的增加而逐渐减少;土壤种子库种子数量在枯枝落叶层所占比例最大,但有活力种子数量极少。幼苗幼树适宜生存的海拔范围为800~1 400 m,经度、纬度、坡度与幼苗幼树分布有明显相关性。因此,选择适宜季节采摘种子,提高种源数量和质量,清除林下枯枝落叶,增加种子萌发能力等以减少陆均松更新的限制条件的人工抚育措施应适当考虑。     

锡林郭勒退化草原不同禁牧恢复演替阶段土壤种子库比较

以冷蒿(Artemisia frigida) 糙隐子草(Cleistogenes squarrosa)退化草原经过长期围栏禁牧恢复演替(23 a和10 a)群落为研究对象,并对比围栏外退化的冷蒿 糙隐子草草原,揭示锡林郭勒退化草原长期围栏禁牧后的土壤种子库特征.随着群落的恢复演替,土壤总种子库物种组成和密度均增加,但持久性土壤种子库占土壤总种子库的比例下降.代表土壤总种子库的4月份取样,围栏禁牧23 a、10 a和围栏外退化样地土壤种子库密度平均值分别为4433、4756粒· m-2和856粒· m-2, 在0.001水平上差异显著,基本代表持久土壤种子库(persistent soil seed bank)的6月底取样,3个样地土壤种子库密度在0.05水平上差异显著;多数植物土壤种子库主要分布在0～3 cm层,各样地种子库密度随土壤深度的增加而减少;围栏禁牧23 a、10 a和围栏外重度退化样地的持久土壤种子库密度分别为土壤总种子库的52.6%、47.4%和90.9%,;各样地一年生植物,构成了草原土壤种子库密度的主要组成部分.结果表明,对于严重退化的冷蒿 糙隐子草群落,只要在恢复起点仍有零星分布的羊草和大针茅植株,经过长期围栏禁牧可恢复其土壤种子库物种组成和种子库规模.     

辽东山区长白落叶松(Larix olgensis)种子雨和种子库

长白落叶松是东北地区主要的用材树种,其种子雨和种子库研究鲜见报道。在辽东山区用收集器收集的种子分析了长白落叶松种子雨组成、质量和扩散距离,每隔2个月调查1次种子库数量,并结合靛蓝染色法测定每次种子的活力来分析土壤种子库动态。结果表明,辽东山区的长白落叶松种子雨从8月中旬开始,9月末到10月初达到高峰期,11月初结束。在起始期,种子雨以干瘪的不完整种子为主,而从高峰期开始,种子雨以完整种子为主。整个长白落叶松种子雨中不完整种子约占种子雨总量的45％,这些不完整种子由被动物取食、空粒和病虫害危害种子组成。完整种子的平均生活力为56．4％,即有活力的种子仅占整个种子雨的30％。种子雨集中在母树周围,在林缘1次扩散距离一般不超过1．5倍树高。种子雨到达地面之后,主要分布在枯枝落叶层,土壤0—5em层有少量分布,土壤5em以下没有种子分布;土壤种子库的种子主要在翌年雪融化后开始萌发、被取食、搬运以及腐烂,其中腐烂种子数占45．4％,动物取食为30．0％。种子库的种子数量和活力在冬季没有明显变化,而在翌年,种子数量和活力明显减少,4、6月和8月份种子数量分别为（506．3±35．56）粒m^-2,（267．1±17．47）粒m^-2和（143．6±9．83）粒m^-2,对应的活力分别为47．8％±4．68％,19．4％±3．39％和0％,这表明长白落叶松种子不能在地面形成连续的种子库。     

辽东山区长白落叶松（Larix olgensis）种子雨和种子库

长白落叶松是东北地区主要的用材树种,其种子雨和种子库研究鲜见报道。在辽东山区用收集器收集的种子分析了长白落叶松种子雨组成、质量和扩散距离,每隔2个月调查1次种子库数量,并结合靛蓝染色法测定每次种子的活力来分析土壤种子库动态。结果表明,辽东山区的长白落叶松种子雨从8月中旬开始,9月末到10月初达到高峰期,11月初结束。在起始期,种子雨以干瘪的不完整种子为主,而从高峰期开始,种子雨以完整种子为主。整个长白落叶松种子雨中不完整种子约占种子雨总量的45%,这些不完整种子由被动物取食、空粒和病虫害危害种子组成。完整种子的平均生活力为56.4%,即有活力的种子仅占整个种子雨的30%。种子雨集中在母树周围,在林缘1次扩散距离一般不超过1.5倍树高。种子雨到达地面之后,主要分布在枯枝落叶层,土壤0~5 cm层有少量分布,土壤5 cm以下没有种子分布;土壤种子库的种子主要在翌年雪融化后开始萌发、被取食、搬运以及腐烂,其中腐烂种子数占45.4%,动物取食为30.0%。种子库的种子数量和活力在冬季没有明显变化,而在翌年,种子数量和活力明显减少,4、6月和8月份种子数量分别为(506.3±35.56) 粒  m^-2,(267.1±17.47)粒  m^-2 和(143.6±9.83)粒  m^-2,对应的活力分别为47.8%±4.68 %,19.4%±3.39 %和0 %,这表明长白落叶松种子不能在地面形成连续的种子库。     

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。     

天童山森林土壤种子库的时空格局

土壤种子库是植物群落的潜在物种库。在中国东部典型丘陵地区天童国家森林公园内选取8类微地形, 分别于2008年9月、12月和2009年3月、6月进行野外调查取样和室内实验, 从总计1,960份土样中挑选种子进行鉴定及分类统计, 研究其时空格局, 探讨自然森林土壤种子库的基本特征及分布规律。结果显示: (1)共检出有活力的种子5,024粒, 共鉴定出68个种, 其中定名种65个; 落叶阔叶乔木和常绿阔叶小乔木物种数量以及种子数量均占优势; 土壤种子库与地上植被共有种为48种, 相似性系数为0.45。(2) 2级和3级顶坡及下部边坡、麓坡、泛滥性阶地种子库储量较大, 而高上部边坡、中上部边坡和低上部边坡种子库储量较小。雷公鹅耳枥(Carpinus viminea)和细枝柃(Eurya loquaiana)是各个微地形单元种子库的优势种。其他优势种中, 上部坡面的微地形主要为格药柃(E. muricata)、短梗冬青(Ilex buergeri)、黑山山矾(Symplocos heishanensis)、四川山矾(S. setchuensis)等常绿树种, 而下部坡面的微地形主要为南酸枣(Choerospondias axillaris)、橄榄槭(Acer olivaceum)、西川朴(Celtis vandervoetiana)等落叶树种。(3)土壤种子库储量在垂直空间上的分布是0-2 cm土层>2-5 cm土层>5-10 cm土层>枯枝落叶层。(4)土壤种子库具有明显的季节动态, 其储量在各个取样时间中的分布为12月>3月>9月>6月。     

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.