Literature review of chemical seed viability testing, germination protocols and comparative longevity

This literature review was conducted with the purpose of evaluating germination requirements of 15 shrub species native to northeastern Alberta, as a companion project with the Alberta Tree Improvement and Seed Centre (ATISC). Key areas of investigation were: (1) viability testing, (2) seed dormancy treatments, (3) germination environment, and (4) seed longevity. These species-specific characteristics lay the groundwork for more efficient use of valuable seed resources in the future, essential for meeting reclamation demands.

Some key findings applied broadly across shrub species: temperature stratification treatments significantly influenced germination success, storage conditions affected viability, and germination rates were rarely optimized with somewhat ambiguous results. Detailed results varied by species and can be found in the literature review.