Recalcitrant seeds with physiological epicotyl dormancy may limit seedling recruitment of an endangered subtropical oak species.

ABSTRACT: Castanopsis kawakamii is an endangered relict oak species inhabiting the southern edge of the subtropical region of China. Its recalcitrant acorns (hereafter seeds) exhibit sequential radicle and epicotyl dormancy, requiring prolonged two-phase release, increasing the risk of viability loss and predation before seedling establishment. Seeds of C. kawakamii were collected from the largest population, Castanopsis kawakamii National Nature Reserve, to assess viability under drying and temperature treatments and to identify environmental cues for radicle and epicotyl emergence. Seeds of C. kawakamii lost viability under 4℃ and at a seed moisture content (MC) < 35%. Radicle dormancy was broken by cold stratification (5/15℃) or by subjecting seeds to winter field conditions, but epicotyl physiol

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797366 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature