Seeds response to different storage conditions of three highland native tree species

To ensure the germination capability and viability of native tree species it is important to know the optimum conditions for seed storage in the long term. In response to this, we investigated the effect of seed storage on the germination, viability,and velocity of germination (VG) of Vallea stipularis, Hedyosmum luteyniiand Oreopanax avicenniifolius. The seeds were collected in Llaviucu and Mazan forests in Cajas National Park and exposed to different treatments of seed storage: three levels of seed moisture content (initial, medium and low), two levels of temperature (10oC and room temperature) and three periods of storage (3, 6, and 12 months). The research revealed that seeds of V. stipularisstored at 10oC for 12 months had the lowest germination values, even null percentages; the more the seed viability and VG decreased when the time of seed storage increased. The seeds of H.luteynii showed high germination and viability up to 12 months of storage at 10oC, however, its germination was later and little synchronized. The room temperature did not work well for germination and VG for both these species, although, H.luteynii maintained its viability intact up to the last period of evaluation. O. avicenniifolius maintained at 10oC and room temperature its germination capacity up to 12 months but with a lower percentage. The knowledge generated contributes to better seed management in ex situconservation programs and plant propagation for restoration