Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Ervin, Stefanie L. [1], Daugherty, Bradley M. [1], Coutant, Nancy E. [1], Coons, Janice M. [1].

Effects of Smoke/Ash Solutions on Seed Germination Rates and Percentages of Twenty Tallgrass Prairie Species.

Prescribed burning is a land management technique often used for prairie ecosystems. Studies from fire prone plant communities report that seeds of some species require exposure to smoke for germination. Our objective was to examine the influence of four smoke/ash solutions on seed germination rates and percentages of twenty tallgrass prairie species. Tested smoke/ash solutions were Illinois Smoke, Illinois Ash, African Smoke, and Hickory Seasoning. The most effective concentrations of smoke/ash solutions were determined from previous studies. For each species, three replications of fifty seeds each were placed in Petri dishes on filter paper moistened with designated smoke solution. Germinated seeds were counted for six weeks. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. The rate of germination was not affected by the smoke/ash solutions for nine species (Astragalus canadensis, Bouteloua curtipendula, Coreopsis lanceolata, Echinacea purpurea, Lespedeza capitata, Lespedeza virginica, Liatris punctata, Pycnanthemum pilosum, Pycnanthemum virginianum). The control showed the slowest rate of germination for five species (Astragalus crassicarpus, Echinacea atrorubens, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea simulata, Liatris aspera). The African smoke solution promoted the fastest rate of germination for seven species (Astragalus crassicarpus, Ceanothus americanus, Ceanothus herbaceus, Coreopsis palmata, Echinacea simulata, Oligoneuron riddellii, Oligoneuron rigidum). At least one of the smoke/ash solutions increased percent germination for thirteen species (Astragalus crassicarpus, Ceanothus americanus, Ceanothus herbaceus, Coreopsis palmata, Echinacea atrorubens, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea simulata, Liatris aspera, Liatris punctata, Oligoneuron riddellii, Oligoneuron rigidum, Pycnanthemum pilosum, Pycnanthemum virginianum). The only solution that decreased percent germination relative to the control was the Illinois Ash for Ceanothus herbaceus. Smoke/ash solutions had no effect on percent germination for seven species (Astragalus canadensis, Bouteloua curtipendula, Bouteloua hirsuta, Coreopsis lanceolata, Echinacea purpurea, Lespedeza capitata, Lespedeza virginica). Information from this study has implications relative to fire management of prairies, and to protocols for growth of native species for use in restoration, conservation or the horticulture industry.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Eastern Illinois University, Department of Biological Sciences, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, Illinois, 61920-3099, USA

Keywords:
Smoke
prairie
Seed
Germination.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 43
Location: 552B/Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Time: 1:45 PM
Number: 43002
Abstract ID:377