Germination characteristics of tree seeds: spotlight on Southern African tree species

Many tree species of economic potential are propagated by seeds, but seed germination information is limited due to inadequate research. This frustrates genetic conservation, ecosystem restoration, domestication and biodiversity efforts. Deforestation, floods, drought and other disasters are endemic to many countries of Africa and these have a negative impact on the availability of many tree species which have a significant contribution as food and income sources. This review takes stock of seed germination and storage behavior of some important southern African tree species. Recalcitrant and orthodox seeds are the two extreme seed germination behaviors distinctly discussed, but information on seed germination and storage behavior of many southern African tree species is limited. Furthermore, knowledge on seed dormancy of recalcitrant or orthodox tree seeds is limited. Orthodox seeds tolerate relatively long storage periods, and hence have inherent primary seed dormancy. Seed dormancy for many recalcitrant tree seeds is not well explained, but such seeds are sensitive to desiccation injury and have a short storage period. Seed germination and storage behavior of many southern African tree species are not fully established with respect to secondary metabolites, fruit pulp composition, growth hormones and physical impediments. In this review, seed germination and storage behavior and different germination barriers will be the main focus.

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