Thesis
Comparative seed longevity testing on native Western Australian species in ex situ storage conditions
Honours, Murdoch University
2022
Abstract
Seed banking allows for the maintenance of genetic resources over long periods of time. However, seeds lose their viability over time in storage, and longevity varies among species. A germination trial was conducted on ten species (total of 44 accessions) of understorey herbs/shrubs to determine the viabilities of seed accessions of wild Western Australian species stored in a conservation seed bank (-18˚C and 20% RH). A rapid ageing experiment was conducted in a controlled setting at 45˚C and 60% relative humidity (RH) on selected accessions (total of 24) with similar viabilities within species, to then determine if they were short-lived. Among the six native species that were aged, three species of Asteraceae – Brachyscome iberidifolia, Olearia axillaris and Panaetia lessonii – were found to have accessions with p50 values in the very short and short-lived ranges. Longevity varied from very short-lived to medium-lived among all aged seed accessions (0.56 ± 0.45 days to 57.20 ± 1.66 days). Initial seed quality (Ki) and relative humidity were identified as factors that contributed to differences in seed longevity. Trends within taxonomic groups were identified; species within a genus (Podotheca) share similar ranges for longevity, while longevity within families (Asteraceae) tend to be more varied. Seeds of species that are shorter-lived should be monitored and tested regularly – every 5 years – to inform management decisions. Seed collections should be tested for initial viability at the point of banking to ensure that estimates of longevity from future comparative longevity experiments are accurate.
Details
- Title
- Comparative seed longevity testing on native Western Australian species in ex situ storage conditions
- Authors/Creators
- Lene Balasupramaniyam
- Contributors
- Joe Fontaine (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityE. Dalziell (Supervisor)D. Merritt (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Honours
- Identifiers
- 991005548668207891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
Metrics
77 File views/ downloads
134 Record Views