Seed germination of five species from the subalpine shrubland of a mountainous oceanic island with high conservation value (Reunion Island)

Little is known about the seed ecology of native plants from subalpine and alpine vegetation zones on oceanic islands, although their biodiversity unique vulnerable (e.g. facing fires biological invasions). This study germination focuses five species, which are representative shrubland Reunion Island. The main objectives to identify presence dormancy light requirements, evaluate whether GA3 or a smoke-infused water could substitute for requirement germination. Over one month, tests were performed under different conditions at three temperatures (15, 20 25 °C), in (12-hours light/12-hours dark) dark. Seeds also treated using single spraying gibberellic acid (GA3 1000 ppm) (named Smoke Water study). No was detected Stoebe passerinoides. For Erica reunionensis, Agarista buxifolia, Hubertia tomentosa Hypericum lanceolatum subsp. angustifolium, potential non-deep physiological (with conditional state) detected. Moreover, buxifolia reunionensis (Ericaceae), required Gibberellic substitutes light, except °C E. reunionensis. does not improve germination, 15 dark A better understanding species will mean threat management restoration actions.