The Seed Science team undertakes research into seed germination and dormancy, seed storage and longevity, seed ecology, seed enhancement technologies, and site delivery techniques. The integration of these research areas improves the efficiency of use of native Australian seeds in plant conservation and habitat restoration. Active research programs cover diverse ecosystems across Western Australia, from the south coast to the Pilbara, and include coastal dune systems, mediterranean climate forests and woodlands, kwongan heathlands, semi-arid and arid rangelands and vernal pools and gnammas. Key research themes include:
- Classifying and understanding seed dormancy types and developing reliable methods for seed germination.
- Understanding the role and applications of smoke and germination-active chemicals isolated from smoke in seed germination ecology, restoration, horticulture and agriculture.
- Assessing seed persistence, germination and dormancy traits in soil and canopy seed banks.
- Determining seed storage behaviour and longevity, and optimising storage methods for effective conservation and restoration seedbanking.
- Developing seed enhancement technologies including seed priming and the application of seed coating polymers and anti-stress agents to improve seedling emergence in broad-acre and minesite restoration.
Click to view 29 images illustrating the diversity of native Australian seeds. Photos by Luke Sweedman from the book “Australian Seeds”
