Germinating the seeds of three species of Pimelea sect. Epallage (Thymelaeaceae)1
Richard G. Silcock A C and Michael B. Mann B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Agri-Science Queensland, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia.
B Formerly Agri-Science Queensland, Leslie Research Centre, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: richard.silcock@daff.qld.gov.au
Australian Journal of Botany 62(1) 74-83 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT13297
Submitted: 11 December 2013 Accepted: 15 March 2014 Published: 28 April 2014
Abstract
Pimelea trichostachya Lindl., P. simplex F.Muell. and P. elongata Threlfall frequently cause pimelea poisoning of cattle. Fresh seeds of these species, belonging to sect. Epallage (Endl.) Benth. of Pimelea Gaertn. (Thymelaeaceae) are strongly dormant for years when in laboratory storage. Common methods of stimulating germination, such as scarification, dry heat and cold stratification, did not remove much of the dormancy. ‘Smoke water’ stimulated some germination but its effect was unpredictable and many seedlings then grew aberrantly. Exposure of imbibed seeds to gibberellic acid greatly and reliably improved the germination of all three species. However, the manner of application and the concentration of gibberellic acid used had to be appropriate or many young seedlings grew abnormally or died suddenly, limiting successful plant establishment rates. The dormancy type involved is non-deep Type 2 physiological. Ten days of good moisture, in addition to gibberellic acid exposure, is required before appreciable laboratory germination occurs at optimal temperatures. Thus, the mechanism by which gibberellic acid stimulates good germination does not appear to be the same as that which primes seeds for the rapid and prolific germination often seen under natural conditions in arid Australia. Seeds of P. simplex subsp. continua (J.M.Black) Threlfall proved most difficult to germinate and those of P. elongata the easiest.
Additional keywords: dormancy, gibberellic acid, smoke water.
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