Collecting, processing, and storing seeds [Chapter 7]

Abstract

Nurseries that work to strengthen and expand the presence of native species are concerned about fostering diverse populations that are strong and well adapted. For many native plants, however, the natural diversity of wild populations has been depleted. Habitat loss has reduced the range and sheer number of plants. For plants with commercial value, unsustainable harvesting practices may have reduced the number of plants with desirable characteristics while leaving behind inferior plants. This process of depleting a population of the best genetic properties so that future populations are weaker than the original is called "genetic degradation." Seed collection for plant propagation is an opportunity to reverse the trends of genetic degradation and species loss. Nurseries have a key role in conserving the gene pool of native plants.

Parent Publication

• Nursery manual for native plants: A guide for tribal nurseries - Volume 1: Nursery management

Citation

Luna, Tara; Wilkinson, Kim M. 2009. Collecting, processing, and storing seeds [Chapter 7]. In: Dumroese, R. Kasten; Luna, Tara; Landis, Thomas D., editors. Nursery manual for native plants: A guide for tribal nurseries - Volume 1: Nursery management. Agriculture Handbook 730. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. p. 113-131.