Conservation of Arid Plants through Improved Understanding of Seed Biology as a Means of Enhancing the Functionality of Botanic Gardens

This study analysed the seed biology of species from the semi-arid Pilbara region to assist restoration programs. Afterripening, wet/dry cycling and scarification were found to overcome physiological dormancy in selected native understorey species, while seed priming was also found to enhance germination. Through a world-wide survey the study also defined the functionality of botanic gardens from different continents; the outcomes of which will aid the development of strategic planning for botanic gardens in arid regions

Effect of organic and mineral fertilizer on the yield of Cauliflower and nutrient content of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.

An experiment was conducted in one eld of Co11a ge of Agriculture - Baghdad University during 20 I I - 20 L gm 'Ing eason in a silty clay lo am soil to study the effect of added organic and mineral fertilizers in the yield of Cauliflower cv. (Sol.d snow) and concentration of nutrients N, P and K within randomized complete block desiW'l (RCBD) for fertiiization following transactions: one level of organic :fe rtilizer 1200 kg. ha 1 using fertilizer (Ho mobakter A}added before plantiJ!)g mixing with surface soil (0- 10 cm) and tow Levels of mineral fertilizers incluing half recommended levels of N 1 P, K; 120, 40 , 60 and complete level; 240 , 80, 120 Kg/ hectar, respectively. · Results showed a significant increase in the concentration of nutrients N, P and K in flower tablets of cauliflower plant with organic fertilizer addition as compared to untreated plants with increment percentage of 14.67, 14.28 and 7.70 % for these nutrients respectively. In addition , conc entrations of N, P and K increased by 28.76, 21.05 and 30.58 % for half recommended fertilizers levels and 40.27 , 31.57 and 41.75 % for complete recommended levels. Yield of flower tablets also increased with organic fertilizer addition by 40.89 % a d by 57.62, 97.66 % for half and complete mineral fertilizers addition, respec tively. The recommendation under the condition of this study was half mineral fertilizers levels can be reduced by organic fertilizers addition

Enhancement of seed germination of wild plant species through priming

Desertification is a serious problem affecting the survival of many plants endemic to arid regions. Revegetation is difficult because it is widely influenced by extreme climatic factors, disturbance, limited revegetation technology and importantly a lack of understanding of the biology and ecology of native plant species. Seeds are central to the revegetation of degraded lands, but poor seedling establishment limits our capacity to restore diverse plant communities. Priming is an effective method to enhance seed germination. The purpose of this study is to enhance seed germination of species adapted to arid regions using priming technology and hence assist in arid land restoration. A seed priming experiment was conducted on native plant species (Poaceae) from the Pilbara region (northern Western Australia) in an attempt to improve germination percentage and the seeds resistance to water stress. Some combinations of priming treatments significantly increased germination percentage for two Poaceae species (Cymbopogon obtectus, Eriachne mucronata) under water stress. Priming has a positive effect on germination parameters such as germination percentage and speed for seeds under certain water stress; however, this positive effect decreases when water stress is high (-1.0 MPa). This study assists in better understanding how to improve germination of native species from the arid Pilbara which will improve the success of revegetation programs