Seed Viability & Germination Trials

What we offer:

Focus on difficult and recalcitrant species not commonly offered by other nurseries, boosting biodiversity options for revegetation projects.
Strict protocols guided by FloraBank Guideline 8 and RIAWA Seed Testing Standards.
Testing methods tailored to seed type, including cut tests and propagation trials
Composite sample assessments for purity, fill, and germinability.
Detailed monitoring and reporting through our Seed Treatment & Germination Report Card.

Some key highlights include:

Methods

Germination trials methods are widely researched prior going to trial, and time and care is taken to ensure the correct conditions and cues are simulated to induce germination. Some of our methods include using Jasmonic acid (JA), Gibberellic acid (GA), enzymes, weathering, smoke, bog, temperature variation and scarification.
Nutrition Trials

Commercialised products such as IBDU and Osmocote® are essential for plant growth but in some circumstances may not be beneficial to some species. Natural Area are conducting on-going nutrition trials for specific native species which typically have a high mortality rate. We have experimented with lime water, salt water and Iron Chelate with promising results.
Facilities

Natural Area's Nursery facilities include: weathering stations where trays may be kept for up to 12 months; a well-equipped sterile propagation area; heating and cooling equipment including fridges and heat beds; seed smoking facilities; and protected seed growing areas with the optimum growing conditions.
Species

Some of the species included in our trials are Triodia epactia, Blancoa canescens, Brachyloma preissii, Leptomeria preissiana, Hybanthus calycinus, Dasypogon bromeliifolius.

Methods