Effect of seed treatment on the emergence of Cassia brewsteri and Lysiphyllum carronii seeds stored in soil

Abstract

Dormancy-breaking treatments are applied to seeds of many Australian species used for mine-site restoration in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Once seeds are sown, several months may pass before a rain event sufficient for germination. Therefore, it is important that treated seeds are able to survive in soil until conditions are hospitable for germination and growth. However, little is known about the effects of seed dormancy-breaking treatments on the longevity of seeds in soil. Two species that are potential candidates for use in mine site restoration programs in Queensland were trialed viz., Cassia brewsteri (F.Muell.) Benth and Lysiphyllum carronii (F.Muell.) Pedley. Untreated, ..