seed germination of six bursera species from central mexico

Abstract

Although the deforestation rate of the dry tropical forests in Mexico is high, very few native species are propagated in local nurseries, which limits their restoration. Many Bursera species are dominant elements of these forests, but their propagation is difficult because of the reduced germination of their seeds. In this work an evaluation is made of seed germination of six species of Bursera (B. bicolor, B. bipinnata, B. cipallifera, B. fagaroides, B. glabrifolia and B. grandifolia) of the northwestern region of Morelos, Mexico. In a First assay, a high proportion of empty seeds was found in B. pinnata, B. fagaroides and B. grandifolia. Germination was higher with fluctuating temperature rather than with constant temperature. The germination of stored seeds of these three species during six months at room temperature and in refrigeration (5 degrees C) did not differ significantly and was from 30 to 60% in B. bicolor, B. copallifera and B. glabrifolia. A solution of benzyladenine (150 ppm) increased germination of one of the three species (B. copallifera). In the field, the seeds of B. bicolor and B. copallifera presented germination percentages similar to those registered at fluctuating temperature.