Manipulation of summer watering regimes during seed burial breaks dormancy in seeds of Persoonia longlfolia (R. Br. Proteaceae)

摘要

Persoonia longifolia'ts a common understorey plant in the south-western jarrah forests of Australia, which experiences a Mediterranean climate. Significant bauxite mining takes place in this region and P. longlfolia is considered to be a highly problematic species in restoration. The seed is surrounded by a hard woody endocarp which restricts water uptake and prevents germination. Previous studies have found that 18 months burial is required to initiate germination (Norman era/ 2008, Turner et al 2010). As part of a wider study investigating the ecology of P. longifolia to aid mine site restoration, this study aimed to more accurately identify seasonal changes affecting dormancy loss and determine if this burial could be replicated in a nursery environment.