Evidence of population variation in drought tolerance during seed germination in four Banksia (Proteaceae) species from Western Australia
J. Anne Cochrane A B D , Gemma L. Hoyle A , Colin J. Yates B , Jeff Wood C and Adrienne B. Nicotra A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
B Science and Conservation Division, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Perth, WA 6983, Australia.
C Statistical Consulting Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: anne.cochrane@dpaw.wa.gov.au
Australian Journal of Botany 62(6) 481-489 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14132
Submitted: 17 June 2014 Accepted: 7 October 2014 Published: 23 December 2014
Abstract
Given the predicted changes in rainfall patterns for many Mediterranean climate regions, identifying seed tolerance to moisture stress in the earliest phase of plant development is an important consideration for species conservation, management and restoration. Here, we used polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) to induce plant water deficit similar to drought stress in a field situation. Seeds of four Western Australia Banksia R.Br. (Proteaceae) species were incubated at seven levels of moisture potential (0 to −1.5 MPa) and three constant temperatures (10°C, 15°C and 20°C). In the absence of moisture stress, germination was uniformly high, but increasing drought stress led to reduced and delayed germination in all species. Overall, the threshold moisture potential value for a significant decline, and delay, in germination was –0.25 MPa. Results suggested that one species (B. coccinea) is likely to be most vulnerable to germination failure under predicted changes in rainfall patterns, whereas another (B. media) is likely to be less vulnerable. There was significant variation in population response to drought stress. However, this variation could not be explained by rainfall across species distributions. We discuss the PEG approach for assessing seed sensitivity to moisture stress, particularly in the context of shifting rainfall under climate change.
Additional keywords: among-population variation, climate change, Mediterranean, temperature, water stress.
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