Natural History, Seed Predation, and Germination of Prosopis juliflora Relative to a Reforestation Project in Southwestern Ecuador

background

This article provides information on the natural history of Prosopis juliflora in Ecuador and describes the efforts to use this native species in reforestation of tropical dry forest in the Proyecto Eduardo Aspiazu Estrata project.

Research Goals & Methods

Over 200 sacks of pods (around 15-20 kg) of seeds were collected in March-May 1994 and examined at the seed bank.

Conclusions & Takeaways

There is a high level of seed predation by bruchid beetles in the storage of P. juliflora seeds. The typical method for planting P. juliflora sees is the scatter them (with the septum attached) into planting beds, or putting them in hot water before planting. In a germination trial, the authors found that only 7% of septed seeds germinated and 12% germinated when soaked in hot water. Instead, seeds that were cleaned (septum removed) had 45% germination and clean seeds placed in hot water had 77% germination. The authors recommend that if storing for P. juliflora seeds is needed for reforestation, that they be treated with a pesticide at the site of collection and then cleaned and soaked in hot water for maximum germination potential.