Seeds vs. Seedlings: The Long-Term Success of Seeds Versus Seedlings in the Restoration of the Federally Endangered Baptisia arachnifera (Fabaceae) During Experimental Planting

The use of seeds versus seedlings may yield different restoration trajectories depending on seed germination (=seedling emergence) success in the of restoration plantings versus seedling establishment. Effective restoration and sustainable population dynamics will require both for long-term persistence. This study compared seed germination in both greenhouse and natural conditions, examining the growth, survival, and reproduction of seedlings from seeds and transplants of a federally endangered perennial, Baptisia arachnifera W.H. Duncan (Fabaceae), in Georgia, USA. Under greenhouse conditions, seed germination is rapid and yields 68% germination across a variety of conditions. In field germination trials, seedling emergence is moderate (20%), but survival, growth, and reproduction are low. Over an 18-yr period (2004–2022) at a restoration planting site in Lowndes County, Georgia, USA, survival, growth, and reproduction were much higher for plants established from seedlings versus plants established from seeds. While dormant plants and seeds are not harmed by winter burns, seedlings derived from both seeds and seedlings are negatively impacted by growing season burns. Restoration efforts in this species should focus on germinating seeds in greenhouses and the effective establishment and management of seedlings, not using seeds directly for restoration efforts.