Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

Abstract

Native plant materials centers across the United States create concentrated sources of native species seeds, cuttings, and plants that are readily available for use in restoration, landscaping, and other revegetation projects. In addition, these centers provide materials from local genetic sources that are adapted to the environmental conditions of the target site which makes them less likely to aggressively compete with, or decrease the genetic fitness of, extant native vegetation. Despite the increased desire to use native plant materials for re-vegetation, a general lack of information regarding germination and propagation requirements for many native species has restricted their usage. A better understanding of dormancy and germination patterns for these native species will make them increasingly available and affordable. As part of an effort to develop a native plant maierials center for the Black Hills, three native species (Sporobolus hetero/epis, Heterotheca villosa, and Gaillardia aristata) were selected to determine optimum germination conditions. Germination trials were conducted following two pre-treatment conditions (2-week prechill at 5°C and no prechill), under six temperature treatments in 2008 and seven temperature treatments in 2009. Tetrazolium (2, 3, 5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride) was used to determine germination potential of ungerminated seeds. Recognizing significant treatments interaction for all three species, Sporobolus heterolepis germination was highest following prechill treatment and at higher alternating temperatures (i.e., 15/30°C). Percent germination of Heterotheca villosa seeds was greatest under cooler constant temperatures (15°C or 20°C) without prechill treatment while Gail/ardia aristata seeds had higher germination in the mid ranges of constant and alternating temperatures (20°C, 25°C, 15/25°C and l 5/30°C). For all three species, prechill treatments significantly increased germination of at least one extreme of the temperature gradient (15°C or 30°C).The temperature treatments most improved by prechill treatment would not typically occur at the time of germination under natural conditions in the field.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Endemic plants -- Preharvest sprouting

Endemic plants -- Effect of temperature on

Endemic plants -- Black Hills (S.D. and Wyo.)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

70

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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