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Abstract
Red elm (Ulmus rubra), gray alder (Alnus incana), and buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis) are considered important plants for many Native American tribes in the United States. Native Americans use these 3 species for a variety of traditional and medicinal purposes. For example, red elm is still the preferred firewood for the cultural ceremonies of several tribes. Kansas tribal leaders would like to plant more of these species on tribal land, but they have been difficult to germinate due to seed dormancy mechanisms. While red elm is valued as a ceremonial tree, it is susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease (Ophiostoma ulmi), and it is not widely grown in ornamental nurseries. This has led to declining natural tree populations and difficulties in commercial propagation. The objective of this study was to evaluate techniques to promote germination of red elm, gray alder, and buffaloberry seeds, with the long-term goal to improve the production of these plants commercially and enable tribes and land owners to increase the presence of these native plants on their lands. Studies were conducted with stratified and non-stratified red elm, gray alder, and buffaloberry seeds soaked in 1 of 4 treatments: 0, 250, 500 or 1000 ppm of gibberellic acid (GA3). Results indicate the use of gibberellic acid in high concentrations is effective with non-stratified seeds of red elm.
Parent Publication
Citation
Morales, Brenda; Barden, Charles; Boyer, Cheryl; Griffin, Jason; Fisher, Lillian; Thompson, Joni. 2012. Improving germination of red elm (Ulmus rubra), gray alder (Alnus incana), and buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis) seeds with gibberellic acid. In: Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2011. Proc. RMRS-P-68. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 93-95.
