Assessment of Seed Quality and Germination Response in the Species of the Genus <em>Polylepis</em>

To contribute to the knowledge of sexual reproduction of endangered native species of the genus Polylepis (P. neglecta, P. incarum and P. pacensis) in Bolivia, different germination studies were performed to obtain saplings for reforestation as a very important measure recommended for the recovery and conservation of this genus. Initially, seed trees were identified in natural populations (P. pacensis and P. incarum) and also in green areas of the Municipality of La Paz (P. neglecta). The characterization of physical and physiological quality (laboratory and greenhouse tests) of the collected seeds was carried out. The physical quality test, showed a high degree of impurities (47%), so it was required to collect a greater amount of plant material. P. incarum, P. pacensis and P. neglecta showed 10, 8 and 6% humidity respectively. A low germination percentage was obtained: 10% (P. neglecta), 8% (P. pacensis) and 2% (P. incarum), issue reported for several Polylepis species. Under greenhouse conditions the highest germination percentage (19%) was displayed in the substrate sand + peat 1:1. On the other hand, P. neglecta showed a higher germination percentage (between 10 and 15%), P. pacensis and P. incarum: 8 and 2%, respectively. Our data suggest feasible alternatives to improve the massive propagation of these species under greenhouse conditions

Seed dormancy and germination

Edited by Jose Carlos Jimenez-Lopez (Spanish National Research Council, CSIC