Natural Resources Research & Management
Natural Resources Research & Management
As threats such as climate change and habitat destruction continue to change ecosystems worldwide, researchers are exploring ways to preserve biodiversity and prevent losses. For plants, scientists have developed seed banks – long-term preservation systems to store orthodox seeds (seeds that can be desiccated and stored long term). These seeds can be regrown in the future to promote species diversity and ensure food security. For many conservationists, prioritizing threatened, or rare species is at the top of the list; however, many agree that preserving the future for common species is also important. In 2019, Lisa Giencke, Research Associate for The Center’s Plant Ecology Lab, realized the value of establishing a seed bank for The Jones Center to help secure the future of flora diversity of Ichauway and the southeastern U.S. Thus, the project began…
Starting the Center’s seed bank from scratch would be no simple task as Ichauway is home to nearly 1,200 plant species, nearly one-third of the plants found in the entire state of Georgia. Limited time and resources made it impossible to collect seeds from every species. After consulting with experts, Giencke and her team began strategizing and decided to focus on threatened or rare species—including pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) and American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) —while simultaneously collecting seeds of common species that serve important functions in our local ecosystems such as longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana). Since 2019, the Plant Ecology Lab has collected seeds from more than 70 native species. While that number may seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the approximately 1,200 species on the property, the process has been rigorous.
Collecting the seeds is the easy part. To secure the future of a species, the seeds that are stored must be viable – in other words, Giencke and her team must ensure those seeds will grow, or germinate, in the future. For each collection, the Plant Ecology Lab tests a subset of seeds to confirm germination. Some species are relatively easy and germinate readily on a damp paper towel on a lab bench in room temperature conditions. Other species, often those that are threatened or rare, may require time-consuming experiments to determine the exact environmental conditions needed to promote germination.
Our plant researchers use knowledge of a species’ native habitat in combination with several known methods to accomplish this task (Figure 1). Giencke and research technician Madison Ohmen explained that “it’s like solving a mystery!” that can involve months of observation and hundreds of seed trials to crack the case.
As the Jones Center seed bank project works to protect our native flora, it also provides valuable experience to an incoming generation of scientists. Notably, Luke Barnes, a RaMP mentee, is working with Giencke and the Plant Ecology Lab to develop seed germination protocols for Curtiss’ loosestrife (Lythrum curtissii), a protected species in Georgia and Florida. His work will help ensure that this imperiled species is not lost to the swath of environmental factors that threatens to extinguish it and so many others. Moving forward, our Plant Ecology Lab is collecting seeds, determining germination protocols, and securing the future of Ichauway’s floral biodiversity.
