s:1732:"%T Germination characteristics of tree seeds: spotlight on Southern African tree species 
%A Mng'omba, S.A. 
%A du, Toit.E.S. 
%A Akinifesi, F.K. 
%X 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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