Improving seed germination and seedling growth of Omphalea oleifera (Euphorbiaceae) for restoration projects in tropical rain forests

摘要: Abstract To improve the restoration of tropical rain forests, we tested germination seeds Omphalea oleifera collected from soil (S) and trees (T) in 2001 dry season (Spring), at beginning a (2005a, winter) rainy (2005b, winter). All had high water content (WC, 31–33%), lipid varied 14 to 46%. Seedlings were subjected moderate stress as preconditioning treatment for severe stress. T-seeds WC, rapid percentage; S winter (2005) also WC but dormant. GA3 (250 ppm) broke this dormancy. S-seeds or it relatively low delayed germination. Some produced albino seedlings. The critical maintaining ecological longevity these was ∼15%. Seeds 2005b that dehydrated 20 days moist fresh atmosphere lost their viability, showing recalcitrant behavior. with lowest (2005a) after dehydration maintained (15 ± 18%). In all samples seed size widely not predictive WC. Embryos taken two four times higher than seeds, did take place. Laboratory field dormant showed viability may be least 2–3 months on substrate (soil agar). Moderate seedling stage reduced efficiency biomass production. Response expressed more physiological traits morphological characters, consequently allocation plants retained most characteristics (root:shoot ratio, leaf area specific area, weight ratio). increase tolerance seedlings stress, causing shedding plant death. For purposes recommend germinated immediately avoiding dehydration. use could result unhealthy Seed recalcitrance response restrict establishment small gaps, where species naturally grows. We suggest before introducing O. programs, cover should built reduce deficit. It is necessary methods potential storage.