Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
12-1-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences
First Advisor
Alejandro Fierro-Cabo
Second Advisor
Bradley Christoffersen
Third Advisor
MD Saydur Rahman
Abstract
Tamaulipan thornscrub is an imperiled plant community of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Given its importance for biodiversity conservation, stakeholders have been involved in restoration programs using seedlings grown from wild seeds. However, stakeholders often report that insufficient seedling supply is a challenge. To address knowledge gaps in seed germination behavior limiting seedling production, this study was conducted on 18 Tamaulipan thornscrub species, identified by growers as difficult to germinate. Seeds of all studied species are orthodox except Amyris texana, which have recalcitrant properties. Nine species have physical dormancy that was successfully addressed with mechanical and/or chemical scarification. Other species possess different dormancies or germination issues. Increased germinability, improvements in germination synchrony and uniformity can augment production of similar-sized seedlings, while increase in germination rate and decrease in germination time can reduce duration of the growing cycle in the nursery. These results should contribute to sufficient seedling production and restoration goals.
Recommended Citation
Dhakal, S. (2025). Characterizing the Germination Process and Establishing Best Practices for Seed Propagation of Tamaulipan Thornscrub Species for Habitat Restoration [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1816
Comments
Copyright 2025 Saroj Dhakal. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3292598421