FAQ: If I only have a few seeds, what is the safest way to propagate them? How can these protocols be shared?

[Center for Plant Conservation]

[Center for Plant Conservation]

Begin by reviewing the literature and discussing the possible germination requirements with experts. Unfortunately, congeners may not always help you determine the germination or storage potential of a rare species, but congeners may give you some good ideas if no other protocols are known. Conducting trials as experiments will contribute to knowledge of the species biology. Good resources for germination requirements include Baskin and Baskin (2014) and Deno (1993). If a rare population has few individuals or little seed production, it may require clonal techniques to generate enough numbers for conservation action. Consider collecting tissues for tissue culture or collecting pollen for storage in liquid nitrogen. Some species may require maintenance in a living collection in a botanical garden or protected natural area.

[Author]

Posts