Seed germination of Loxopterygium guasango, a threatened tree of coastal Northwestern South America

background

Loxopterygium guasango is a tree native to Ecuador with threatened status as of 1993, despite its durable wood, history of timber use, and potential use in reforestation. This study reports on seed germination, a potential cause of its low regeneration rates.

research goals & methods

1260 seeds were collected and germination was tested with the following treatments: soaked with cool water; soaked with hot water; germinating with light; germinating with no light; baked; and control. Very low germination rates occurred with all treatments, with the highest being 13% germination in the hot water treatment. Low germination rates may be due to fungal infection, insectivory, inappropriate germination conditions, and inviability. Seed dissection indicated that only 20% of seeds were considered alive, while 80% were dead. Of viable seed, 65% germinated when treated with hot water, which can kill fungal pathogens.

conclusions & takeaways

The authors suggest that because the species can be easily propagated vegetatively, the stands may have low genetic diversity that could lead to seed abortion and susceptibility to predation.