Seed germination requirements of Trembleya laniflora (Melastomataceae), an endemic species from neotropical montane rocky savannas |
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Authors: | Elis R.S. Rodrigues Fernando A.O. Silveira |
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Affiliation: | 1. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras do Alto S?o Francisco, , Luz, Minas Gerais, Brazil;2. Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, , Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
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Abstract: | Trembleya laniflora is an endemic shrub from neotropical montane rocky savannas of southeastern Brazil. It has been indicated as a potential candidate for ecological restoration of abandoned iron‐ore mines due to heavy metal accumulation. Here, we evaluated the seed germination requirements of T. laniflora. Seeds collected in 2005 and 2008 were set to germinate under a broad range of temperature and light conditions. Seed viability was estimated by dissecting seeds under a dissecting microscope for embryo presence/absence. Seeds were photoblastic and optimum temperature range was 20–25°C, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season. Seeds were viable after 42 months of storage, which together with small seeds that easily get buried and light requirement for germination suggest formation of soil seed banks. Except the large fraction of embryoless seeds, almost all tested seeds germinated when incubated under light conditions; therefore, T. laniflora should be regarded to have nondormant seeds. Easiness of burial resulting from small seed size and positive photoblastism may both contribute to incorporation into soil seed banks. Our data suggest that the long‐term storage of T. laniflora seeds provides a useful strategy for plant reintroduction. |
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Keywords: | germination requirements photoblastism rupestrian fields seed banks seed germination |
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