Germinación, desarrollo inicial y supervivencia de plántulas bajo diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento de semillas de tres especies nativas de bosques del Parque Nacional Cajas

Abstract

The optimum seed storage conditions of native tree species are important for maintaining their germination apacity and seed viability, which are a challenge for ex situ conservation and useful in the restoration practices This study had the aim to evaluate the effects of seeds storage on germination, viability, initial growth and urvival of Vallea stipularis, Hedyosmum luteynii and Oreopanax avicenniifolius. Seeds were collected in laviucu and Mazán forests at the National Park El Cajas. The seed were exposed to different storage treatment considering the following factors: moisture content (initial, medium, low), three temperatures (5° C, 10°C and 21°C- room temperature) and time period (3 and 6 months). The variables measured in the laboratory phase were the percentage of germination and its viability using tetrazolium test. The initial development, survival and dry biomass were measured at the greenhouse phase. The results showed that at 3 months under 5 °C and 10° C, percentage of germination, viability, initial growth and survival were higher for V. stipularis and H. luteynii. At room temperature the germination and survival reduced drastically. On the other hand, O. avicenniifolius presented low germination percentages at three months in all treatments, however, there was a slight increment in the germination, growth and survival variables, mainly at 10oC and room temperature with 5% of moisture content at 6 months. The knowledge generated in this investigation will contribute for better management of seed by local nurseries, governmental and non-governmental institutions, who are responsible in the seedling production for different purposes.