Abstract

PAREDES, D. A. et al. Germination of three Fabaceae species of interest for ecological restoration in the Southern Monte, Patagonia, Argentina. Quebracho (Santiago del Estero) [online]. 2018, vol.26, n.2, pp.68-68. ISSN 0328-0543.

Large areas of the Southern Monte in the Patagonia have been severely degraded by overgrazing and oil extraction activities. Rehabilitation and restoration by planting native species are suitable alternatives to reverse this problem. Planting Fabaceae species is particularly recommended to reinitiate the ecological succession because of their ability to improve the soil physical and chemical properties as well as their nitrogen-fixing capability. In addition, this family includes several species that are used as fodder, timber, and for decorative and industrial uses. Thus, these species can be included in restoration projects that integrate social and ecological goals. To explore the suitability of these species for the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas, it is necessary to assess what pre-germination treatments are appropriate to obtain a fast and uniform germination in nursery gardens. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of chemical scarification treatments (5 or 45 minutes) and wet-cold treatments (7 or 30 days) on the germination of the following species: Parkinsonia praecox, Prosopidastrum striatum, and Senna aphylla. The three studied species showed the highest germination percentages with chemical scarification during 45 minutes, while the wet-cold treatments did not differ from the control. In conclusion, the acid scarification treatment is suitable for the large-scale propagation of these species because a substantial quantity of seeds can be treated in a short time and with homogeneous results.

Keywords : Parkinsonia praecox; Prosopidastrum striatum; seeds; Senna aphylla; pre-germination treatments.

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