荒漠植物种子萌发研究进展

 对种子自身结构,水分、温度、光照、沙埋深度等对荒漠植物种子萌发的影响进行了综述。硬实种子的不透水性、不透气性以及物理障碍是影响种子萌发的重要因素,通过热水浸种、擦破种皮或果皮、浓硫酸浸泡、低温或辐射处理可以破除硬实的影响。有些荒漠植物果皮或种皮外包有粘液层,这种结构对种子的萌发及幼苗生长有促进作用;部分植物的种胚覆盖物含有生长抑制物质而抑制种子萌发;胚休眠与后熟是影响胚萌发的重要生理因素。雨量大小、分布,降雨次数及土壤湿度是决定荒漠植物种子萌发的重要生态因子;温度影响种子的萌发,变温促进萌发;部分荒漠植物种子的萌发需要光照,有些要在暗中萌发,有些则对光无特异的需求;沙埋深度可调节光照、土壤湿度和土壤温度,从而调节种子萌发。应重视荒漠植物种子对严酷环境适应的研究,从分子水平上阐述其对严酷生境的适应机制。     

春夏季放牧对古尔班通古特沙漠南部土壤种子库和地上植被的影响

位于新疆北部准噶尔盆地腹地的古尔班通古特沙漠,是世界上温带荒漠生物多样性的精华和最为丰富的典型区域。历史上这里就是北疆羊和部分马匹重要的冬牧场,但近年来的放牧活动在春夏季也开始进入沙漠腹地,使地表性质与植被覆盖发生了明显改变。应用野外随机取样与室内萌发实验相结合的方法,对比研究了古尔班通古特沙漠南部春夏季放牧和冬季放牧沙垄土壤种子库差异及其与地上植被的关系。结果表明：冬季放牧沙垄种子库种数为24种,而春夏季放牧沙垄有20种,后者明显减少了植物种数。冬季放牧沙垄种子库密度为(353.2±87)粒·m-2,而春夏季放牧沙垄为(189.1±23)粒·m-2,比前者减少了88%。两类沙垄土壤种子库的生活型组成都以一年生植物为主,相似性系数为0.711。相同沙垄不同部位的物种相似性系数在0.429～0.600之间,异质性较大,尤其表现在除垄顶之外的其他部位。冬季放牧沙垄和春夏季放牧沙垄地上植被中分别有植物36种和26种,各生活型所有物种均为后者低于前者,其中短命、类短命物种数量减少幅度最大。春夏季放牧沙垄地上植被的物种多样性和均匀度降低,而优势度升高。回归分析显示,冬季放牧沙垄定植群落有21%的变异来源于土壤种子库,而春夏季放牧沙垄有51%的变异来源于土壤种子库,可见不同季节的放牧干扰显著影响土壤种子库及其与地上植被的相关关系。     

Living where others dare not: Microhabitat distribution in Chorizanthe rigida,a serotinous desert annual

We studied the small scale distribution pattern of Chorizanthe rigida, a serotinous desert annual, in a shrub-mound-to-desert-pavement gradient. Two sites were established in the Mojave Desert and two sites where established in the Sonoran Desert. We placed transects along a soil surface gradient from shrub mounds to desert pavements, and measured land surface properties, soil characteristics, and C. rigida's small scale distribution. A Principal Components Analysis was done on the resulting site × soil variables matrix. C. rigida established preferentially in desert pavements outside shrub canopies. Pavements showed finer soil textures and higher electrical conductivities, while shrub mounds had sandy textures, low surface rockiness, higher nitrogen, and higher cover of annuals. We discuss a probable relationship between seed retention and the establishment on desert pavements: timing seed release allows this species to avoid wind- or animal-induced seed dispersal into shrub mounds and establish outside the nurse mounds, where most annual plants concentrate. The seeds encased in the serotinous involucres, released after rains, are dispersed by run-off into the desert pavements and transition zones where, once developed, the dead seed-retaining structures of adult C. rigida plants persist for years releasing seeds to subsequent rain events.     

Effect of daylength on flowering and seed morphology ofSpergularia diandraoccurring in the Negev Desert, Israel

Spergularia diandrais a common annual plant in the deserts of Israel. It displays a quantitative long-day response to flowering. The longer the daylength, from 8 to 18 h, the earlier the time of flowering. Tiny wind-dispersed seeds, which mature on plants under these daylengths, differed in their seed coat structure and size. In addition, in natural populations nine types of seeds were found: three plant genotypes with smooth, hairy or partially hairy seeds; and within each genotype there are three seed phenotypes: black, brown and yellow. The flowering and ‘escape’ strategy of seed dispersal diversity are discussed.     

Invasive potential of the winter grass Schismus barbatus during the winter season of a predominantly summer-rainfall desert in Central-Northern Monte

Biological invasions are a major threat for natural ecosystems. Deserts are characterized by their scarce, highly variable rainfall and thus considerably susceptible to invasions, especially by annual plants that can quickly capitalize sporadic rainfall events. In this study we evaluated the potential of an invasive winter-annual species native to the Mediterranean region (Schismus barbatus) to invade a summer-rainfall desert in the Central-Northern Monte Phytogeographical Province, Argentina, where the native annual flora is mainly composed of summer species. We recorded the number of germinated seeds from soil samples collected in four seasons (during one year) coinciding with four important life-stages of Schismus (pre-germination, post-germination I and II and post-dispersal), and contrasted our results with data obtained from the literature. Almost 33,000 Schismus seeds were estimated to germinate per m², and about 90% percent of them germinated from samples collected in the pre-germination stage. Compared to deserts in USA and Australia, where Schismus has been a successful invader, the density of germinated seeds we observed was especially high even though the amount of rainfall for the vegetative period of Schismus was considerable lower. Our results suggest that S. barbatus has a great invasive potential in the Central-Northern Monte. The low number of annual plant populations that are able to compete for highly variable cool-season rains may be a key feature determining the invasibility of these deserts during the winter.     

Summer and winter drought in a cold desert ecosystem (Colorado Plateau) part I: effects on soil water and plant water uptake

We investigated the effects of winter and summer drought on plants of the Colorado Plateau in western North America. This winter-cold, summer-hot desert region receives both winter and summer precipitation. Droughts were imposed for two consecutive years using rainout shelters. Here, we examine drought effects on the hydrologic interactions between plants and soil. We chose three perennial species for this study, representing different rooting patterns and responsiveness to precipitation pulses: Oryzopsis hymenoides, a perennial bunch grass with shallow roots; Gutierrezia sarothrae, a subshrub with dimorphic roots; and Ceratoides lanata, a predominantly deep-rooted woody shrub. Drought effects on plant water status were qualitatively similar among species, despite morphological differences. Summer drought affected the water status of all species more negatively than winter drought. Isotopic analysis of stem water revealed that all three species took up deeper soil water under drought conditions and shallow soil water after a large rainfall event in summer. Thus all three species appeared to use the same water sources most of the time. However, after a particularly dry summer, only the deepest-rooted species continued to take up soil water, while the more shallow-rooted species were either dead or dormant. Our study suggests therefore that increased occurrence of summer drought could favor the most deep-rooted species in ecosystem.     

Effect of rhizobia inoculation on the seed (herbage) production of mungbean (Phaseolus aureusRoxb.) grown at Uzbekistan

In field trials conducted at Uzbekistan, inoculation of mungbean (Phaseolus aureusRoxb.) with commercial strain CIAM1901 ofBradyrhizobiumsp. (Phaseolus) increased (on average for two cultivars) the herbage mass by 46·6±6·0%, seed mass by 39·2 ± 3·6%, mass of 1000 seeds by 16·0 ± 0·8%, nitrogen content in seeds by 58·3 ± 8·9%, starch content in seeds by 30·0 ± 5·5% and number of nodules by 254%. Inoculation with this strain produced the same herbage (seed) mass as NH₄NO₃application (120 kg ha⁻¹of N), while the combined treatment of rhizobia and 60 kg ha⁻¹of N produced significantly higher yields than rhizobia inoculation alone or application of 120 kg ha⁻¹of N. The rhizobia strain M11 was isolated from Uzbekistan soils and significantly exceeded the commercial strain CIAM1901 in its influence on herbage mass by 3·9–10·6%. Two-factor analysis of variance demonstrated that the herbage mass and number of nodules are controlled mainly by the rhizobia strain genotypes, while seed yield, number of pods, mass of 1000 seeds and N and starch content in seeds are influenced by the plant cultivar genotypes.     

Adaptational responses ofZygophyllum qatarenseHadidi to stress conditions in a desert environment

The succulent shrubZygophyllum qatarensepossesses a high degree of tolerance to both drought and high temperature, and in its desert environment adapts to stress by seasonal changes in leaf morphology, anatomy and physiology. At the onset of the dry season, the plant responds to water stress by leaf polymorphism in which it develops unifoliate xeromorphic leaves. As the dry season progresses, the plant tends to reduce its transpiring surface area by means of substantial leaf loss. As the desert environment become drier and hotter, the plant responds further to the existing double stress of drought and high temperature by adopting a bimodal stomatal behaviour.     

Soil seed flora, germination and regeneration pattern of woody species in an Acacia woodland of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia

The objectives of this study were to determine the composition, density and spatial distribution of the soil seed bank of woody species, as well as their regeneration pattern in two different land use systems, controlled (ranch) and open grazing, in an Acacia woodland of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia. We also compared the species composition of the soil seed bank and the above-ground vegetation to find out if differences exist in the soil seed bank and advance regeneration between the two land use systems. The germination requirements of seeds of the woody species were also investigated under laboratory conditions. Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal, Acacia tortilis, Dichrostacys cinerea and Balanites aegyptiaca were encountered in the above-ground vegetation in both systems. Seeds of only A. tortilis (90±32 seeds m⁻²) from the ranch, and A. senegal (5±3 seeds m⁻²) and A. tortilis (72±34 seeds m⁻²) from the open system were found in the soil seed bank along transects with patchy horizontal pattern. The two systems were not significantly different in density of soil seed banks of A. senegal andA. tortilis . Jaccard's similarity index showed that only a few woody species were common in the soil seed flora and above ground vegetation. However, all of the species accumulated seeds (58±43–331±130 seeds m⁻²) in/on the soil under the canopy. Very large numbers of seeds of A. tortilis (19382±9722 seeds m⁻²) and D. cinerea (1278±494 seeds m⁻²) were also found in barns. Most of the seeds recovered from the soil samples (60–80%) were found in the litter layer. Acid and mechanical scarification improved legume germination (36–99% and 60–99%, respectively) over boiling water (0–48%). Treatment means differed significantly for all the legumes (p<0·001) but not for Balanites. Height and diameter class distribution of regeneration of A. tortilis and D. cinerea in both systems and A. senegal in the open system had a negative exponential correlation (r_s=−0·5, −0·25 and −0·86, respectively). A. seyal and B. aegyptiaca showed poor regeneration. Horizontal distribution of advance regeneration of all the species was patchy. Advance regeneration of A. seyal, A. tortilis and B. aegyptiaca were not significantly different, while that of A. senegal and D. cinerea were significantly different between the two systems. Poor representation of species in the soil seed bank along transects and in the different height and diameter classes may be attributed to the low density of mature trees as well as the mode and strategy of seed dispersal. Ungulate and wind dispersed species (e.g. A. senegal, A. tortilis and D. cinerea) were highly favoured. Patchiness in the distribution of seeds and advance regeneration was also a result of endozoochory. Dispersal of non-ungulate dispersed seeds (A. senegal, A. seyal and B. aegyptiaca) was restricted to the canopy zone. Piles of seeds ofA. tortilis and D. cinerea that were found in barns were a result of consumption of their pods by cattle. High concentration of seeds in the litter layer may be due to low soil disturbance and larger size of seeds. The height and diameter class distribution of A. senegal (in the open system), A. tortilis and D. cinerea also indicated that the species have good regeneration. Results from the germination tests indicated that seeds of the legumes require pre-sowing treatments to give a rapid, uniform and improved germination. Intervention through artificial regeneration should be employed to improve the density and regeneration capacity of those species with hampered regeneration at both systems.     

准噶尔荒漠120种植物粘液繁殖体的甄别与比较

用粘沙法对准噶尔荒漠22科81属120种植物进行了粘液繁殖体的甄别和粘沙能力比较试验,结果表明:①共有22种植物具有粘液现象,占总数的18.33%,集中于菊科、十字花科和车前科;②综合浇水2 mm和水浸20 min两种处理结果发现,分泌粘液粘沙后种子重量变化较大的植物有盐生车前、光苞独行菜、庭荠和栉叶蒿等,且对于大多数物种来说,水浸20 min处理时的粘沙量明显高于浇水2 mm处理时的粘沙量;③两种处理结果所得粘沙量大小排序稍有不同,进行平均后得到的顺序是:盐生车前>光苞独行菜>庭荠>栉叶蒿>独行菜>抱茎独行菜>条叶庭荠>条叶车前>小果亚麻荠>小车前>亚麻荠>全缘独行菜>毛果群心菜>播娘蒿>群心菜>四齿芥>油蒿>甘新念珠芥>大蒜芥>多型大蒜芥>棱果芥>山柳菊叶糖芥;④除群心菜、条叶车前、小车前外,其他19种植物的未粘沙种子单粒干重均小于1 mg;粘沙能力与种子单粒干重之间没有显著关系,而单粒干重<0.5 mg的种子其粘沙能力相对较强;⑤粘液繁殖体是某些荒漠植物降低位移、适应流沙或干旱环境的一种有效手段,但在粘沙能力和适应不同粘液溶出条件等方面表现出物种之间的差异性。     

塔里木河下游荒漠化过程土壤种子库特征

沿塔里木河下游荒漠河岸林,选择了荒漠化程度依次加重的5个断面,进行了土壤种子库野外萌发试验。结果表明:①在中度荒漠化区土壤种子库的物种相对丰富(11种),密度较高(892.6粒\5m-2);随着荒漠化程度的加剧,土壤种子库物种丰富度、总密度以及多样性指数呈现出明显下降的趋势;②与重度荒漠化区和中度荒漠化区相比,极度荒漠化区土壤种子库中的多年生草本和灌木密度占总密度的百分比有所增加,一年生草本百分比明显降低;③不同荒漠化程度对种子库密度的垂直分布影响不大,70%以上的种子集中在土壤表层0～2 cm深度。综合来看,随着荒漠化程度的加剧,土壤种子库的恢复潜力有所下降。     

大赖草(Leymus racemosus)结实格局

连续2年对新疆阿勒泰地区荒漠植物大赖草(Leymus racemosus)居群(公路附近沙丘平坦处,P1;农田周围沙丘平坦处,P2;周围积水沙丘中下部,P3;多个沙丘中间平坦处,P4;多个沙丘中间隆起处,P5)、小穗间和小穗内的结实格局进行了比较研究。结果表明:(1)2011年大赖草的穗长、穗宽、总花数、结实率和大种子比率都高于2012年,小种子数低于2012年;2年的结实率在5个居群间均表现为P2P3P1P5P4。(2)每花序内不同小穗的穗宽、总花数和结实率表现为中部下部上部。(3)每小穗均有3.7±0.56朵花、0.6±0.09粒种子,小穗基部的结实率较高。大赖草结实率在年际和不同环境下波动较大,水分和温度是影响其结实格局的主要因素;小穗间及小穗内的资源分配符合资源竞争假说。大赖草花多果少的结实格局是适应荒漠资源贫瘠、干旱少雨气候条件的一种生殖保障。     

Seed and Fruiting Phenology Plasticity and Offspring Seed Germination Rate in Two Asteraceae Herbs Growing in Karst Soils with Varying Thickness and Water Availability

Shallow soil with low water availability is the key limiting factor for plant growth and reproduction in vulnerable karst regions. Annual herbs are pioneers adapted to these areas; however, little is known about the responses of their seeds and infructescence, and the germination of their offspring to these limited water and soil resources. In this study, we investigated how the seed and fruiting phenology plasticity and offspring seed germination rates of two annual Asteraceae herbs (Xanthium sibiricum and Bidens pilosa) respond to the harsh karst soil environment, by assessing the seed number, seed biomass and offspring seed germination rate. X. sibiricum and B. pilosa were grown under three soil thicknesses and three water availability levels in a full two-way randomized block design. The key results were as follows: (1) The number and biomass of progenies (infructescence and seeds) of X. sibiricum decreased with the decline of soil thickness and/or water availability (P <0.05). The infructescence and seed biomass of B. pilosa increased with the decline of water availability. (2) Seed quantity and seed biomass of X. sibiricum showed no correlation after their parents experienced resource reductions. A significant positive relationship between seed number and seed biomass was observed in B. pilosa (P <0.05). (3) The offspring seed germination rate of X. sibiricum did not change with the decrease of soil thickness under three levels of water treatment. However, the offspring seed germination rate of B. pilosa decreased significantly with the decrease of soil thickness under the control water level (P<0.05). The results show that X. sibiricum tends to improve its competitiveness by ensuring the quantity and quality of offspring in order to adapt to the shallow karst soils and dry karst habitats. In contrast, B. pilosa adapts to the unfavorable karst habitats by a risk-sharing strategy. B. pilosa produces more and bigger seeds to in an attempt to expand its survival range and escape from the unfavorable living environment, but this results in a lower seed number and germination rate of its progeny under the karst soil resource reduction.     

Predispersal reproductive ecology of an arid land crucifer,Moricandia moricandioides: effect of mammal herbivory on seed production

In this paper the effect of herbivory on the seed production ofMoricandia moricandioides(Cruciferae), an annual species living in arid habitats of south-eastern Spain, is analysed. Firstly, the flowering and fruiting phenology and the composition and structure of the pollinator guild is described, in order to compare the overall effect of mutualistic speciesvs. that of antagonistic species onM. moricandioidesseed production. The loss of female reproductive success due to each herbivore species attacking the plant is then quantified, in an attempt to differentiate the effects on plant seed production of each herbivorous species. The results indicate that only antagonistic organisms interacting withM. moricandioidesinfluenced the female fitness of this plant species. In fact, pollinator abundance or activity did not correlate with the number of seeds dispersed by the plants. In addition, of all the herbivore species, only sheep activity significantly influenced seed production ofM. moricandioidesindividuals, the effect of the remaining crucivorous herbivores being cancelled by the stronger herbivory of sheep. The results of this study suggest that herbivory by sheep, in addition to decreasing the seed production ofM. moricandioides, could be an important determinant of the current distribution pattern of this crucifer species on the ramblas of the Baza basin.     

Phenology ofMedicago minimaandErodium cicutariumin semi-arid Argentina

The phenology ofMedicago minimavar.minimaandErodium cicutariumwas studied at two different field sites in the Calden District (approx. 10 million ha), a temperate semi-arid phytogeographical region in central Argentina. One site had been protected from wild and domestic herbivores for the 6 previous years. The other adjacent site had been exposed to continuous grazing by cattle for several decades. A phenological key was made for each species in 1988, and this key was improved during the 1989 growing season when phenological observations were made every 1–3 weeks.The growth cycle ofM. minimaandE. cicutariumwas similar at the two studied sites. Initiation of the cycle occurred in autumn and appeared to be associated with soil water availability. Phenological patterns were very dynamic at the reproductive stage in both species. This stage started earlier and was faster inE. cicutariumthan inM. minima. The end of the growing season occurred during late spring, concomitant with high maximum air temperatures. Our results suggest that these species hasten their development when air temperature increases and soil water availability decreases. This could be an important strategy in these species which allows them to persist as seeds, and produce a new generation under favourable environmental conditions.     

阿拉善高原荒漠植被组成分布特征及其环境解释 Ⅳ.土壤种子库特征研究

阿拉善荒漠土壤种子库种子密度主要受到水、热变化梯度的影响而呈现水平地带性分布规律。土壤种子库的分布主要集中在0～5cm的土层中,深层土壤很少有种子库的存在。阿拉善土壤种子库共统计到26种植物种子,分属9科22属,以禾本科最多;生活型以一年生草本植物种子的比例最高,达到51.36%。极端干旱环境条件下不存在有效的土壤种子库。土壤种子库多样性(Simpson指数)在东阿拉善草原化荒漠区为最高,在0.546～0.917之间;西阿拉善荒漠区次之为0.417～0.915;额济纳绿洲区为0.855,说明阿拉善荒漠区从东到西,土壤种子库物种多样性指数呈现下降的趋势。土壤种子库相似性研究表明,阿拉善荒漠不同区域的土壤种子库相似性差异较大,东阿拉善荒漠化草原植被区,相似性系数范围为0.17～0.67,西阿拉善典型荒漠区为0～0.75,额济纳戈壁荒漠区和东、西阿拉善土壤种子库的相似性系数范围是0～0.4。说明阿拉善荒漠区,由于生境和植被的异质性程度高,导致土壤种子库之间的差异性显著。阿拉善荒漠的土壤种子库和地上植被组成上差异显著,地上植被的优势种以旱生、中生灌木、半灌木为主,土壤种子库中以一年生、多年生草本为主,没有统计到灌木种子的存在,表明土壤种子库对于灌木层片更新和演替的贡献非常小。这些发现对了解干旱荒漠植被自然修复特点具有重要的潜在贡献。     

Germination ofAcacia origena,A. pilispinaandPterolobium stellatumin response to different pre-sowing seed treatments, temperature and light

Seeds ofAcacia origena,A. pilispinaandPterolobium stellatumhave a hard seed coat that hampers imbibition of water and prevents maximum, uniform and rapid germination. Therefore, the seeds were subjected to different treatments involving mechanical scarification, concentrated sulphuric acid and boiling water to break the dormancy imposed by the hard seed coat. To determine the effects of different constant temperature regimes on germination, scarified seeds were incubated on a thermogradient at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Germination of scarified seeds was also tested in light and dark. Mechanical scarification resulted in 100% germination for theAcaciaspecies and 94% forP. stellatum. ForA. origena, sulphuric acid treatments for 60, 90 and 120 min resulted in significantly higher per cent germination (>95%) than all the other treatments. ForA. pilispina, sulphuric acid treatments for 45 and 60 min, as well as immersing seeds for 1 min in hot water, gave significantly higher per cent germination (97%) than all the other treatments. ForP. stellatum, mechanical scarification and all the acid treatments applied resulted in significantly higher per cent germination (>85%) than the control and all hot water treatments. All seeds ofP. stellatumimmersed in hot water, even for 1 min, rotted soon after sowing, indicating that they are sensitive to high temperatures. Scarified seeds of the twoAcaciaspecies germinated to a higher degree (≥90%) between 10 and 30°C, while germination of scarified seeds ofP. stellatumranged from 48 to 82% between 10 and 30°C. Scarified seeds of the three species germinated to a large extent (>70%) both in light and dark, indicating that seeds do not require light for germination.     

不同贮藏条件和光照对5种蒺藜科植物种子萌发的影响

研究不同贮藏条件和光照对5种蒺藜科植物（骆驼蓬 Pegannum harmala、唐古特白刺Nitrari tangutorum、泡泡刺Nitraria sphaerocarpa、驼蹄瓣 Zygophyllum fabago 和多裂骆驼蓬Peganum multisectum)种子萌发的影响。结果表明,低温贮藏对这5种植物的种子萌发有显著影响,并且种子萌发对光、暗的响应随贮藏条件和贮藏时间的变化而变化。根据这5种植物在不同条件组合下的最大萌发率,拟定出了种子萌发的最佳贮藏条件和萌发条件：①湿-冷贮藏能使骆驼蓬种子具有较高的萌发率,此时对光照没有明显的要求;②多裂骆驼蓬种子经过80 d湿-冷贮藏后在光下能达到很高的萌发率,同时,其80 d干-冷贮藏后在暗条件下的萌发率接近同样的效果;③唐古特白刺种子更适合光下萌发,在湿+低温+光照处理下,种子经过三个贮藏期后均具有较高的萌发率,而干-冷贮藏种子只有冷藏80 d后才能达到较高萌发率;④泡泡刺种子适合干-冷贮藏,对光照没有要求;⑤驼蹄瓣种子在干、湿贮藏后,其萌发率无明显差异,但在暗条件下萌发率略高于光条件下,并且达到最大萌发率所需要的冷藏时间短（20 d）,而在光下则需要较长的冷藏（80 d 以上）才能达到较高萌发率。     

土地利用方式对岩溶山地土壤种子库的影响

本文从种类组成、种子数量、生态优势度、物种多样性、种子分布规律和物种相似性等方面比较了重庆市岩溶低山10种不同土地利用系统的土壤种子库特点，10种土地利用类型包括耕地、弃耕地、果园、灌草坡、人工林和次生林。结果表明，研究区种子以草本为主，随土利用强度增加，种子类和数量减少，与地面农田杂草相似性增加，土壤种子库出质和量方面的锐减。从土壤种子角度说明研究区生态退化严重。     

Impact of prescribed burning on Acacia nilotica seed banks and seedlings in the Astrebla grasslands of northern Australia

Acacia nilotica is a tree of international significance both as a beneficial plant and as a species prone to thicket formation and negative impacts on savannas throughout much of its range. While fire has been identified as a useful tool for controlling negative impacts of some Acacia species in Africa, A. nilotica adult trees are apparently fire tolerant. The effects of fire on seed bank mortality, viability and germination, and on juvenile plants of this species are unknown. We undertook a study to investigate the impacts of fire on seeds and first and second year seedlings in Australian Astrebla savannas. The primary objective was to determine the effects of control burns applied during the early stages of invasion and thicket formation. Because of high rates of seedling dessication post fire in 1997, supplementary watering was undertaken until fire mortality could be measured the following year. High seed mortality occurred for seeds located either in cattle dung (100%) or on the soil surface (c. 80%). Germination of those seeds that survived was enhanced following exposure to fire. Very high fire mortality (99%) was observed among first year seedlings and moderate mortality (60%) for second year seedlings even after a low intensity burn. Negative impacts on major pasture species were minimal. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to A. nilotica fire ecology and to the efficacy of fire as a tool for managing this species.