Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Brown, Noah [1], Carmichael, Amanda [1], Ligon, Jason [1], Smith, Ashlynn [1], Coffey, Emily [2], Eserman, Lauren [2].

Seed germination studies of the federally endangered Apalachicola Rosemary (Conradina glabra, Lamiaceae).

Conradina glabra (Apalachicola rosemary) is a rare perennial shrub, consisting of one known population on 1,000 – 1,470 ha in Liberty County, Florida (USFWS 2017). It has been listed as federally endangered due to habitat destruction and modification resulting from incompatible forest management practices, the effects of which are compounded by its narrow distribution. The seed ecology of C. glabra remains largely understudied. Understanding environmental requirements for successful seed set, germination, and seedling survival are critical for this globally imperiled species. Prior work on seed ecology in C. glabra has shown very low to zero germination. This project assessed seed germination and seed viability. This study further tested the effect of liquid smoke on germination to assess whether Conradina glabra requires smoke cues to break dormancy. Results of this study show that seed fall into two size categories (greater or less than 600 micrometers). Germination percentage is highest in large seed over small seed, but small seed make up the vast majority of seed produced. Additionally, the standard germination protocol achieved greater germination success than one with the addition of liquid smoke, suggesting seed are not serotinous. Finally, examinations of large seed viability using X-ray scans show low seed viability. Further studies of viability of small seed, pollen viability, and seedling survival need to be done to assess the reason for low viability and recruitment in the wild.

1 - Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, United States
2 - Atlanta Botanical Garden, Conservation & Research, 1345 PIEDMONT AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA, 30309, United States

Keywords:
Conradina glabra
Lamiaceae
conservation
Seed germination.

Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PCB007
Abstract ID:517
Candidate for Awards:Phytochemical Best Poster Award