Viability of Seed Stock at Shawnee State University

Ashlynn PfauFollow

University

Shawnee State University

Major

Natural Sciences- Biology, Environmental Life Science Minor

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Presentation Types

Oral Presentation

Keywords:

Plants, seeds, viability

Abstract

I sought to determine if the tree and herbaceous plant seed stores housed on Shawnee State University’s campus were viable. Seed storage, when practiced probably, is valuable for selecting for specific characteristics, cultivating plants out of season, and maintaining genetic diversity. I began my research by organizing and identifying all species for which seeds are stored on campus. For each species documented, I aimed to stratify and germinate up to twenty individuals following species-specific propagation procedures. Planted seeds were monitored for successful germination and a percent yield was calculated for each. Based on my research, previous seed storage techniques utilized at the university are largely not successful. Species stored more recently germinated at a greater rate than those collected more than a few years prior. Seed storage is a valuable practice; however my research demonstrates that changes to seed storage protocol are warranted on campus.

Human Subjects

no

IRB Approval

no

Faculty Mentor Name

Sarah Ivers

Faculty Mentor Academic Department

Natural Sciences

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Viability of Seed Stock at Shawnee State University

I sought to determine if the tree and herbaceous plant seed stores housed on Shawnee State University’s campus were viable. Seed storage, when practiced probably, is valuable for selecting for specific characteristics, cultivating plants out of season, and maintaining genetic diversity. I began my research by organizing and identifying all species for which seeds are stored on campus. For each species documented, I aimed to stratify and germinate up to twenty individuals following species-specific propagation procedures. Planted seeds were monitored for successful germination and a percent yield was calculated for each. Based on my research, previous seed storage techniques utilized at the university are largely not successful. Species stored more recently germinated at a greater rate than those collected more than a few years prior. Seed storage is a valuable practice; however my research demonstrates that changes to seed storage protocol are warranted on campus.