Influencia de la procedencia sobre la calidad y germinación de semillas de especies arbóreas andinas nativas

Abstract

Large-scale propagation of native Andean forest species is often limited by seed source quality, seed viability, and low germination rates, characteristics that may vary among provenances. This study evaluated the effect of seed provenance (Irquis and Nero forests) on the morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds, as well as on the quality, viability, and germination of seeds from two native Andean tree species: Oreopanax andreanus and Viburnum triphyllum. Ten individuals per species were evaluated in each forest, and pre-germination treatments consisting of different concentrations of gibberellic acid combined with warm stratification were applied. The results showed that tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of V. triphyllum did not significantly influence the evaluated fruit and seed characteristics. However, seed provenance did affect seed quality and germination. Individuals from the Irquis forest exhibited better morphological characteristics, greater seed weight, and higher germination percentages compared to individuals from the Nero forest. In O. andreanus, seeds collected from Nero showed low physiological quality and poor viability, and no germination was recorded under any of the evaluated treatments. Due to the absence of mature fruits in Irquis, it was not possible to compare provenances for this species. The evaluated pre-germination treatments did not show a significant effect on seed germination. In contrast, provenance had a greater influence on seed quality and germination performance, particularly in V. triphyllum. These results highlight the importance of carefully selecting seed sources for propagation and ecological restoration programs, as seed origin can be a determining factor in germination performance and establishment potential.