Germination physiology of Cochlospermum fraseri (Bixaceae), a deciduous tree from Northern Australia with physical seed dormancy

ABSTRACT: Abstract Cochlospermum fraseri (‘Kapok’, Bixaceae) is a deciduous tree widely distributed throughout semi-arid and monsoon tropical northern Australia, and an important species for ecological restoration in the region. We aimed to better understand the seed biology and ecology of C. fraseri to determine the mechanisms by which seed dormancy might be alleviated, and the conditions that support germination to inform the use of this species in restoration. Dormancy breaking treatments (wet heat, dry heat, scarification) commonly applied to species with physical seed dormancy (PY) were tested along with stratification at 5–35°C (nine treatments). Following dormancy alleviation, seeds were germinated at nine temperatures (5 to 40°C) and five water potentials (0 to −0.8 MPa) to understand enviro

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PROVIDER: S-EPMC10476509 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature