title: Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions.
abstract: We describe techniques for approximating seed bank dynamics over time using Helianthus annuus as an example study species. Strips of permeable polyester fabric and glue can be folded and glued to construct a strip of compartments that house seeds and identifying information, while allowing contact with soil leachate, water, microorganisms, and ambient temperature. Strips may be constructed with a wide range of compartment numbers and sizes and allow the researcher to house a variety of genotypes within a single species, different species, or seeds that have experienced different treatments. As opposed to individual seed packets, strips are more easily retrieved as a unit. While replicate packets can be included within a strip, different strips can act as blocks or can be retrieved at different times for observation of seed behavior over time. We used a high temperature glue gun to delineate compartments and sealed the strips once the seed and tags identifying block and removal times were inserted. The seed strips were then buried in the field at the desired depth, with the location marked for later removal. Burrowing animal predators were effectively excluded by use of a covering of metal mesh hardware cloth on the soil surface. After the selected time interval for burial, strips were dug up and seeds were assessed for germination, dormancy and mortality. While clearly dead seeds can often be distinguished from ungerminated living ones by eye, dormant seeds were conclusively identified using a standard Tetrazolium chloride colorimetric test for seed viability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University; pace.115@osu.edu.
authors.forename: Brian A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas.
authors.forename: Helen M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Washburn University.
authors.forename: D Jason
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Emry
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University.
authors.forename: Kristin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Mercer
mesh_terms: D018525:Germination; D006368:Helianthus; D006358:Hot Temperature; D012621:Seasons; D012639:Seeds; D012987:Soil; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D014867:Water