Analysis of seed-bank data confirms suitability of international seed-storage standards for the Australian flora

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Crawford ◽  
Kathryn J. Steadman ◽  
Julie A. Plummer ◽  
Anne Cochrane ◽  
Robin J. Probert
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Australian Flora ◽  
Western Australian

The suitability of applying international standards for long-term seed storage to the Australian flora was examined by reviewing seed-storage data from the Western Australian Threatened Flora Seed Centre. The 375 collections examined represented 176 taxa from 44 genera and 16 families. A high proportion of collections, representative of some of the most common genera in Australia, maintained viability in the short (<5 years) and medium (5–12 years) term. Declines in germination were evident for a small number of collections, representing 10 taxa, stored for 5–12 years. However, many of the declines were collection-specific and other collections of the same taxon did not decline. Five taxa showing germination declines were represented by a single collection so it was not possible to determine whether the germination decline was directly related to the taxa, storage conditions or to other factors. Only the closely related Stylidium coroniforme and S. amabile exhibited germination declines in all collections, but cut tests of seeds remaining from germination testing indicated that viability of the collections had not declined, just the proportion to germinate; for these species a change in germination conditions is a more likely explanation for the reduction in germination. The results illustrate the successful application of these seed-storage standards to threatened flora in Western Australia and highlight their suitability for the Australian flora.

High seed viability recorded in an endangered endemic species, 'Isoplexis isabelliana' (Scrophulariaceae), after more than 30 years of storage in a conservation seed bank

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. e69341
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel González Pérez ◽  
Nereida Cabrera-García ◽  
Isabel Cayon-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Ex Situ

Conservation seed banks are essential for ex-situ conservation of genetic biodiversity. These institutions are especially relevant for threatened species and play a vital role in their conservation by preserving genetic material. However, samples deposited in the seed banks must germinate when necessary to use them (i.e., recovery plans, etc.). This study uses four accessions of the endemic endangered species from Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands), Isoplexis isabelliana (Webb & Berthel.) Masf. (Scrophulariaceae). Germination tests were carried out to measure seed viability through time and the possible impact of seed storage on their viability. These accessions have been kept in the seed bank for four months to thirty years under different storage conditions. Germination results differed for seeds after 45 days of exposition using 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness at 17 °C. Accessions kept in the seed bank, independently of storage, showed a high germination percentage (89%). Whereas the accessions with rough storage conditions showed a 0% germination rate. The results highlighted the good state of conservation of the material deposited in the Seed Bank of the Botanical Garden "Viera y Clavijo" and the reliability of the temperature and humidity conditions in which the seeds of I. isabelliana have been stored. We consider these results as momentous since several natural populations of I. isabelliana has been affected by the last forest fire on the island.

Prevalence of blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans) on canola (Brassica napus) in Western Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Khangura ◽  
M. J. Barbetti
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Leptosphaeria Maculans ◽  
Sowing Date ◽  
Blackleg Disease ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Blackleg Fungus ◽  
Western Australian

Canola crops were monitored throughout the Western Australian wheatbelt during 1996–99 to determine the incidence and severity of crown cankers caused by the blackleg fungus (Leptosphaeria maculans). All crops surveyed had blackleg. The incidence of crown canker was 48–100%, 15–100%, 9–94% and 48–100% during 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The mean incidence of crown cankers statewide was 85, 63, 55 and 85% in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The severity of crown canker (expressed as percentage disease index) ranged between 30 and 96%, 3 and 94%, 5 and 78% and 21 and 96% during 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. These high levels of blackleg can possibly be attributed to the accumulation of large amounts of infested canola residues. In 1999, there were effects of variety, application of the fungicide Impact, distance to last year’s canola residues and rainfall on the incidence and severity of blackleg. However, there were no effects of sowing date or region on the disease incidence or severity once the other factor effects listed above had been considered. In 1995, an additional survey of 19 sites in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia assessed the survival of the blackleg fungus on residues from crops grown in 1992–94. The residues at all sites carried blackleg. However, the extent of infection at any particular site varied from 12 to 100% of stems with the percentage of stems carrying pseudothecia containing ascospores varying between 7 and 96%. The high levels of blackleg disease found in commercial crops are indicative of significant losses in seed yields, making it imperative that management of blackleg be improved if canola is to remain a viable long-term cropping option in Western Australia.

scholarly journals Optimal long-term seed storage conditions for the endangered seagrass Zostera japonica: implications for habitat conservation and restoration

Plant Methods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shidong Yue ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Shaochun Xu ◽  
Shuai Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Zostera Japonica ◽  
Storage Method ◽  
Seagrass Meadows ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Term Storage

Abstract Background Seagrass meadows are recognized as critical and among the most vulnerable habitats on the planet. The alarming rates of decline in seagrass meadows have attracted the attention globally. There is an urgent need to develop techniques to restore and preserve these vital coastal ecosystems. So far little work has been done to develop effective long-term storage method for seagrass seeds. The seagrass Zostera japonica Asch. & Graebn is an endangered species in its native range. Here we utilized combinations of different storage times, salinities, and temperature to determine the most appropriate conditions for optimal seed storage. Results Zostera japonica seeds were strongly desiccation sensitive, with a complete loss of viability after 24 h of desiccation. Therefore, long periods of exposure to air should be avoided to minimize seed mortality. In addition, Z. japonica seeds could not endure freezing conditions such as – 5 °C. However, our results indicated that reduced storage temperature to 0 °C could effectively prolong the duration of dormancy of Z. japonica seeds. Seeds stored at 0 °C under a salinity of 40–60 psu showed relatively low seed loss, high seed vigor and fast seed germination, suggesting these to be optimal seed storage conditions. For example, after storage for 540 days (ca. 600 days since the seed collection from reproductive shoots in early October, 2016) at 0 °C under a salinity of 50 psu, seeds still had a considerable vigor, i.e. 57.8 ± 16.8%. Conclusion Our experiments demonstrated that seeds stored at 0 °C under a salinity of 40–60 psu could effectively prolong the duration of dormancy of Z. japonica seeds. The proposed technique is a simple and effective long-term storage method for Z. japonica seeds, which can then be used to aid future conservation, restoration and management of these sensitive and ecologically important habitat formers. The findings may also serve as useful reference for seed storage of other threatened seagrass species and facilitate their ex situ conservation and habitat restoration.

Seed Bank Dynamics of Three Co-Occurring Banksias in South Coastal Western Australia: the Role of Plant Age, Cockatoos, Senescence and Interfire Establishment.

1991 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 385 ◽  
Author(s):  
ETF Witkowski ◽  
BB Lamont ◽  
SJ Connell
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Quadratic Function ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Plant Age ◽  
The Other ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Seed Bank Dynamics ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

Seed bank dynamics of three co-occurring, non-sprouting Banksia species (B. baxteri, B. speciosa and B. coccinea) in patch-burnt scrub-heath (aged 10 and 21 years) were studied in the southern sandplains of Western Australia. In the younger plants, canopy seed storage was highest in B. coccinea. However, 21-year-old B. coccinea stored an order of magnitude fewer seeds than the other species and no more than young B. coccinea. Seed storage per year increased exponentially with plant age in B. speciosa and B. baxteri, whereas a quadratic function, peaking at 16 years, best described seed storage in B. Coccinea. Degree of serotiny was lowest in B. coccinea. Seed abortion did not vary between age cohorts but was highest in B. coccinea. Granivory ranged from 18 to 42% and was highest in the older plants and in B. baxteri. Cockatoos removed about 20% of cones in B. baxteri and B. coccinea and 10% in B. speciosa. Experimental cone removal accelerated follicle opening, especially in B. coccinea, irrespective of whether cones were placed on the ground (simulating cockatoo removal) or reattached to the plant (simulating plant death). Half the 21-year-old B. coccinea were dead and the remainder were considered senescent, as most branches showed dieback and cone fertility had fallen to 8%. Death of the other species was negligible, with cone fertility rising to a mean of 45% (B. speciosa) and 66% (B. baxteri). Interfire establishment was significant only in B. coccinea. The build-up of a viable seed bank with time occurred at a slower rate than for non-sprouting banksias in the northern sandplains.

scholarly journals Torrid Panicgrass Dormancy Relief Through Exogenous Chemical Treatments and Seed Storage Optimization of Temperature and Relative Humidity Parameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-204
Author(s):  
Scott B. Lukas ◽  
Joseph DeFrank ◽  
Orville C. Baldos ◽  
Ruijun Qin
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Oxygen Intermediates ◽  
Seasonally Dry ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Physiological Dormancy

Seed dormancy is an evolutionary adaptation for increasing seedling survival by delaying germination and is found in many families of seed plants. Although dormancy is ecologically important, it becomes problematic during agronomic production and restoration. Torrid panicgrass (Panicum torridum) is a native Hawaiian annual grass that has been identified as a re-vegetation candidate for seasonally dry areas. Torrid panicgrass seed appears to possess a nondeep to intermediate physiological dormancy. This research aimed to characterize dormancy relief parameters by 1) evaluating exogenous hormonal, reactive oxygen intermediates, and simulated combustion product treatments; and 2) determining optimized storage conditions of relative humidity (RH) and temperature over a 10-month duration. Results indicate that all exogenous chemical treatments tested were not effective at relieving the dormancy present in torrid panicgrass. Optimal storage conditions to relieve dormancy were found with seeds equilibrated to 12% RH, stored at 30 °C for a period of 8 months resulting in 55% germination. Maintenance of viability for long-term storage up to 10 months was best achieved with seeds stored at 12% RH at 10, 20, or 30 °C.

Exploring seed longevity of UK native trees: implications for ex situ conservation

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-111
Author(s):  
Rachael M. Davies ◽  
Alice R. Hudson ◽  
John B. Dickie ◽  
Charlotte Cook ◽  
Tom O'Hara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Ageing Time ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Accelerated Ageing ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Multiple Samples

AbstractUK trees require increased conservation efforts due to sparse and fragmented populations. Ex situ conservation, including seed banking, can be used to better manage these issues. We conducted accelerated ageing tests on seeds of 22 UK native woody species, in order to assess their likely longevity and optimize their conservation in a seed bank. Germination at four ageing time points was determined to construct survival curves, and it was concluded that multiple samples within a species showed comparable responses for most species tested, except for Fraxinus excelsior. Of all species studied, one could be classified as very short-lived, four as short-lived and 17 as medium, with none exceeding the medium category. The most important finding of this manuscript is that although some taxonomic trends were observed, the results indicate the need for caution when making broad conclusions on potential seed storage life at a species, genus or family level. Longevity predictions were compared to actual performance of older collections held in long-term storage at the Millennium Seed Bank, Kew. Although most collections remain high in viability in storage after more than 20 years, for short-lived species at least, there is some indication that accelerated ageing predicts longevity in seed bank conditions. For species with reduced potential longevity, such as Fagus sylvatica and Ulmus glabra, additional storage options are recommended for long-term gene banking.

One-step fitting of seed viability constants for two Australian plant species, Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Myrtaceae) and Xanthorrhoea preissii (Xanthorrhoeacea)

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Crawford ◽  
F. R. Hay ◽  
J. A. Plummer ◽  
R. J. Probert ◽  
K. J. Steadman
Keyword(s):  
Survival Data ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Gene Bank ◽  
Seed Longevity ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
One Step

Long-term ex-situ seed storage under controlled conditions in gene banks has become an important tool for conserving threatened Australian plants; however, there is scant information about the seed longevity of most species. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the seed longevity of two contrasting Australian species could be modelled using the seed viability equation, and whether the universal temperature constants are applicable to these species. Seeds of Eucalyptus erythrocorys F.Muell. (Myrtaceae) and Xanthorrhoea preissii Endl. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) were aged at moisture contents ranging from 3.9 to 15.7% and temperatures between –20 and 60°C. Survival data were fitted to the seed viability equation in one step and the species constants for each species determined. Both E. erythrocorys and X. preissii seeds exhibited orthodox seed storage behaviour whose longevity could be modelled using the seed viability equation. The viability constants were KE = 8.81, CW = 4.97, CH = 0.0412 and CQ = 0.000379 for E. erythrocorys and KE = 8.77, CW = 5.29, CH = 0.0382 and CQ = 0.000473 for X. preissii. The universal temperature constants could not be used without a significant increase in error. The storage behaviour of these two Australian species is in keeping with that of orthodox species from around the world. Predictions are that E. erythrocorys will be long-lived under gene bank conditions, whereas X. preissii would be moderately long-lived. Current long-term gene bank storage conditions appear suitable for storage of these species; however, recommendations for short-term storage need to be re-evaluated.

scholarly journals The Longevity of Crop Seeds Stored Under Long-term Condition in the National Gene Bank of Bulgaria

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 90-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gergana Desheva
Keyword(s):  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Gene Bank ◽  
Common Vetch ◽  
Orchard Grass ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Plant Families ◽  
Brome Grass

Abstract Seed accessions from 7 plant families and 28 species stored for above 20 years in the National gene bank of Bulgaria were evaluated. All seed accessions were maintained as base collection under long-term storage conditions with low moisture contents (5±2%) in hermetically closed containers at −18°C. On the basis of experimental data, the seed storage characters σ (standard deviation of seed death in storage), P50% (the time for viability to fall to 50%) and P10% (the time for viability reduction of 10%) were determined allowing the prediction of seed storage life and the regeneration needs. The results showed significant differences in loss of seed viability among species and within the species. After 20–24 years of storage, eleven crops showed minimal viability decline under 5% as compared to the initial viability (oats, barley, maize, bread wheat, durum wheat, smooth brome grass, faba bean, chickpea, sunflower, cucumber and pepper). For the same storage time, another group of crops (sorghum, triticale, orchard grass, tall fescue, common vetch, grass pea, lentil, common bean, rapeseed, tobacco, flax, cabbage and tomatoes) presented 5–10% reduction of seed viability. More significant changes in seed viability – above 10% – were detected for peanuts, lettuce, soybean and rye. The σ values varied from 20.41 years (Arachis hypogaea L.) to 500 years (for Avena sativa L. and Triticum aestivum L). There was wide variation across species, both in time taken for the viability to fall to 50% and in time taken for the seed viability reduction of 10%. The study illustrates the positive effect of both seed storability early monitoring and prediction of regeneration needs as a tool for limiting undesired losses.

The Feasibility and Long Term Clinical Outcome of Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery in the Rural Healthcare Setting - A Western Australian Experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdallah Elsabag
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Local Recurrence ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Cancer Surgery ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Surgery ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Disease Free

Objective: Laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery has increasingly become the standard of care world-wide. However, the availability within the rural Western Australian setting remains heterogenous and the long term outcome is largely unknown. This study reviews our experience and 5 year outcomes in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery (CRC) in a major rural surgical unit in Western Australia. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study based in Albany Regional Hospital, Western Australia. All patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer by a single surgeon over a five-year period (2007- 2012) were included. All case records were reviewed. All cases had been discussed in multidisciplinary meeting and recommendations were followed in regards to staging modalities and / or neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatments. Patients were followed up in the surgical clinic six monthly with serial CEA and a yearly CT Chest, abdomen and pelvis and colonoscopy as per guidelines, thereafter they were discharged for GP follow. The primary outcomes were local recurrence, metastatic disease, five year disease free survival, anastomotic stricture, incisional hernia and small bowel obstruction. Results: Sixty-seven patients were reviewed. Two required conversion to open (3%) and were not considered further. A total of 65 patients were included (30 male, mean age: 69 years). The most common site of tumour was at the ascending colon which comprised of 38% of all cases. The mean operating time was 161 minutes. Five year disease free survival was 97%, no Local recurrence of anastomotic strictures were detected in our study, The overall cancer related mortality was one case out of the 65 cases. Conclusions: Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery is safe and feasible in the rural Western Australian setting with comparable 5 year outcomes with international literature. Provided this is performed by appropriately trained general surgeons with suitable case selection.

Refugia within refugia: in situ speciation and conservation of threatened Bertmainius (Araneae : Migidae), a new genus of relictual trapdoor spiders endemic to the mesic zone of south-western Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S. Harvey ◽  
Barbara York Main ◽  
Michael G. Rix ◽  
Steven J. B. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
New Genus ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Refugia Within Refugia ◽  
Western Australian

The trapdoor spider family Migidae has a classical Gondwanan distribution and is found on all southern continents except the Indian region. The Australian fauna consists of three genera including Moggridgea O. P. Cambridge from south-western Australia and Kangaroo Island, South Australia; Moggridgea is otherwise widespread throughout Africa. The sole named species of Moggridgea from Western Australia, M. tingle Main, and its unnamed relatives are the subject of the present paper, which was stimulated by concern for the long-term persistence of populations, and the discovery of deep genetic divergences between populations. A phylogeny of the Western Australian species relative to African and South Australian Moggridgea was generated using molecular COI and ITS rDNA data, and based on both molecular and morphological criteria we conclude that the Western Australian taxa should be removed from Moggridgea and transferred to a new genus, Bertmainius. The seven species are delimited using both morphological and molecular criteria: B. tingle (Main) (the type species), and six new species, B. colonus, B. monachus, B. mysticus, B. opimus, B. pandus and B. tumidus. All seven species are considered to be threatened using IUCN criteria, with the major threatening processes being inappropriate fire regimes and climate change.

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