Physical seed dormancy in Collaea argentina (Fabaceae) and Abutilon Pauciflorum (Malvaceae) after 4 years storage

Abstract

Collaea argentina (Fabaceae) and Abutilon pauciflorum (Malvaceae) are of high medicinal and ornamental value and are collected for pharmaceutical and ornamental purposes. However, one obstacle for plant production is the occurrence of seed dormancy. Here, we confirmed the occurrence of dormancy in these species, identified possible methods for breaking dormancy and assessed the dormancy condition after seed storage. Wet heat, physical and acid scarification were effective methods for breaking physical dormancy in both species. After four years of dry storage, a high proportion of C. argentina seeds were able to germinate (i.e. physical dormancy levels had reduced), whereas A. pauciflorum seeds continued to be dormant but were more sensitive to dormancybreaking treatments. These results should aid plant production and seed conservation of these two species.