Abstract

TORRES, R. C.  and  RENISON, D.. Germination capacity and longevity for seeds of two tree species from the Chaco Serrano forest in Central Argentina. Quebracho (Santiago del Estero) [online]. 2020, vol.28, n.1, pp.54-61.  Epub Oct 01, 2020. ISSN 0328-0543.

Seed viability and longevity determine the reproductive strategy of tree species and their knowledge is important to plan the restoration of forests, whether passive or assisted by sowing or planting. Here, we aimed to determine the variability among collection sites in terms of germination and longevity of seeds, for two native tree species of Chaco Serrano forest in central Argentina. We assessed the viability of seeds collected from 64-66 trees per species located in seven collection sites and stored under environmental conditions normally used in nurseries. Seed viability for Ruprechtia apetala in the years one, five and 10 were 84, 74 and 0 %, respectively (p < 0.001), without differences among collection sites (p = 0.3), but with small differences among sites regarding seed longevity (interaction time of storage x collection site, p = 0.01). Seed viability for Lithraea molleoides in the years one, five and 10 were 42 %, 11 % and 0.6 %, respectively (p < 0.001), without differences among collection sites (p = 0.2), nor the interaction (p = 0.8). Our results suggest more persistent soil seed banks for R. apetala than for L. molleoides, and maximum time of storage of five years for R. apetala and one or two years for L. molleoides.

Keywords : viability; storage; Ruprechtia apetala; Lithraea molleoides.