Direct seeding of Alphitonia petriei (Rhamnaceae) for gully revegetation in tropical northern Australia

Abstract

A study on the direct seeding of a pioneer rainforest species Alphitonia petriei on a gully area was carried out in the wet tropical region of north-eastern Australia. The effect of seed coating, soil condition and weed competition on seed germination and early growth of germinated seedlings of A. petriei were examined in both glasshouse and field conditions. Uncoated seeds had a higher germination percentage than the seeds coated with fertiliser, fungicide and insecticide in both the glasshouse and field experiments. Soil condition (degree of compaction and fertility) and weed competition did not affect the rate of germination of A. petriei seeds, but they significantly influenced survival and growth of germinated seedlings. Compacted and infertile soils, and weed competition are detrimental to the survival and growth of A. petriei seedlings. In wet tropical conditions, little effort is needed to germinate A. petriei seeds in the field, once the best technique to break seed dormancy has been identified. Seed coating is not recommended for A. petriei. More attention should be paid to post germination weed control and soil nutrition improvement. © 1995.