Evaluating Desiccation Tolerance in Rare Plants

In order to maintain seed for long term storage, it is necessary for the seed bank to maintain an optimal temperature. However, not all seed responds equally to traditional storage methods. For orthodox seed such parameters as internal moisture content and ideal temperatures have been well established, however for non-orthodox seed conditions are not so clearly understood. Jason Ligon of Atlanta Botanical Garden demonstrates how to desiccate rare seed in order to compare germination outcomes of desiccated and un-desiccated seed. This comparison allows the researcher to determine whether the seed in question is orthodox or not. This video was funded through an IMLS grant.