Germination of cloud forest native shrubs with potential for restoration in central Veracruz, Mexico

Background and Aims: Seed germination studies are of great importance in conservation biology, restoration ecology, and the development of efficient propagation techniques. The use of native shrub species in restoration activities is scarce owing to lack of information on propagation, establishment, and general management. For this study, we assess the germination of eight shrub species native to the cloud forest by comparing seeds subjected to a pre-germinative treatment (imbibition) and seeds without treatment, under two germination conditions: greenhouse and germination chamber. We expect that under constant temperature conditions and exposure to a pre-germinative treatment, seeds will germinate more quickly and in higher proportions than seeds, exposed to temperature variations and without any pre-germinative treatment. Methods: We setup a randomized experimental design consisting of 10 petri dishes containing 30 seeds per treatment (i.e., imbibition or control) in each germination condition (i.e., greenhouse or germination chamber). We recorded germination percentage, the number of days for initiation of germination, and t50. Key results: Our results showed an important difference in the germination response between both germination conditions of the eight species evaluated. The optimal conditions for germination for most species were constant light and temperature of 25°C provided by the germination chamber, as this was associated with high rates of germination. Conclusions: Understanding the seed germination process can provide valuable insights into the specific environmental conditions required for the successful propagation of the studied species. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of germination requirements can guide the development of more effective restoration techniques, as well as to inform conservation efforts by allowing managers to create strategies for optimal seed storage and handling and improve germination rates.