Presentation Summary

For many of the native boreal seeds used in reclamation or reforestation programs, supply is far lower than industry demand. This high demand is likely to be explained by the difficulty of harvesting certain seeds exclusively from the wild. It is also possible that demand is being generated by losses during post-harvest handling.

After harvest, the seed materials go through a series of post-harvest handling stages and storage before propagation. Despite post-harvest handling stages playing a critical role in determining seed viability, germinability, or purity, these handling practices are seldom studied. One of the often-overlooked stages of seed production is the storage conditions immediately after collection and before processing. the seeds can lose their viability within a few days after harvesting due to their tiny size and extreme sensitivity to even minor changes in local temperature and humidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriate storage conditions for four species that are commonly used in restoration efforts in boreal Alberta, after harvest and before processing without losing their longevity and germination potential.

Seeds were stored for a varying amount of time (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) at 4°C to determine the appropriate interim storage conditions after harvest and before processing. The highest germination of goldenrod (75%), buffaloberry (79%), and balsam poplar (100%) seeds was observed for the four weeks at 4°C treatment. However, aspen seed germination was reduced by 22.5% when seeds were kept at 4°C for 3 or 4 weeks relative to the control; the reduction was less (1.5%) when seeds were kept at 4°C for 1 or 2 weeks.

The result suggests opportunities exist to store certain boreal seeds after harvest and before processing without reducing their germination characteristics.

Relevance 

The increasing demand for boreal forest plant species, other than commercial trees, for use in reclamation of disturbed sites has exceeded both the technical and commercial capacity of the region.

Market research conducted in this province found that the majority of innovation in native plants and seeds was from outside of Alberta. The survey also found that challenges emanating from harvest, handling, storage, propagation, and deployment to low availability of skilled personnel, are severely limiting the adoption of native boreal plant species. This study contributes to overcome some these challenges.

About the Speaker

Jean-Marie Sobze, PhD RPF, Manager, Boreal Forest Plant and Seed Technology Access Centre, Centre for Boreal Research, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Dr. Jean-Marie Sobze is the manager of the Plant and Seed Technology Access Centre at NAIT. His work focuses on developing practical technologies for plant propagation and seed delivery. Jean-Marie works with Indigenous communities to establish native seed business for reforestation and reclamation.  He joined NAIT Centre for Boreal Research in 2010 and has more than 20 years of experience in forest management and land reclamation research. He received his Ph.D. in Forestry at the University of Gottingen, Germany, specializing in community-based forest management, and is registered as a Professional Forester with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP).

Event Information

Date: April 20, 2023

Venue: The Derrick Golf and Winter Club, 3500 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5P5 (View Map)

Time: Virtual 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM MT, In-Person 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM MT (click here to register for the in-person event)

Registration Fee(s): 

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Registration Deadline: April 14, 2023 (in-person), April 19, 2023 (virtual)

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Refund policy: No refunds may be processed on or after the registration deadline.

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