Storage time, light exposure, and physical scarification effects on Artemisia cana seed germination

Abstract

Sagebrush (Artemisia sp. [Asteraceae]) is an important component of many grassland species’ habitats. Anthropogenic activities have resulted in widespread loss of sagebrush, causing declining populations of sagebrush obligate species. With the goal of improving sagebrush habitat restoration outcomes, we sought to maximize germination success of sagebrush by investigating seed preparation methods. Seed collected in 2015 and 2016 was subjected to 3 to 6 after-ripening periods and 2 physical scarification treatments, then germinated for 21 d in light and dark. Scarified seed had significantly greater maximum germination and significantly lower time to maximum germination than did seed that had not been scarified. Physical scarification removed light requirements for germination as time to maximum germination was equivalent between scarified seed germinated in the dark and non-scarified seed germinated in light. Untreated seed had rapid and high germination, indicating that low success with seeding sagebrush was likely due to limiting environmental conditions. We recommend that seed be cold stored to preserve seed viability and seedcoats left intact for seeding. Small but significant differences in maximum germination could have large impacts on landscape-level restoration.