Investigating the germination of two native New Brunswick species (Halenia deflexa and Lysimachia terrestris)

Abstract

Native Plants have been historically understudied but are essential to both local ecosystems and restoration efforts. Two New Brunswick Native plants (Halenia deflexa and Lysimachia terrestris) were investigated to better understand the requirements to grow seedlings for future studies. To accomplish this, we needed to determine any seed dormancy mechanisms at play, and the seed quality of each species. Imbibition trials, and germination studies on two media were used to investigate dormancy types, while cut tests and TTC staining were used to investigate seed quality. Both species imbibe water, prefer agar as a soil medium, require only 9 weeks in cold stratification, and germinate more often when Gibberellic Acid is present. Halenia deflexa should also receive an additional growth supplement, such as MS salts, to aid in seedling establishment. New Brunswick populations of both species had comparatively normal seed quality for this area, but an Albertan seed population of H. deflexa had significantly poorer seed quality. If attempting to propagate L. terrestris from vegetative propagules instead of seeds, bulbils should not be stored on top of moist vermiculite at room temperature.