Documents relating to Seed Production
Author: Stasie Maxwell
Date: December 20th, 2022
The Understory Initiative’s winter 2022 newsletter and impact report. This report highlights our accomplishments in 2022, the impacts we’re having on understory habitats and local communities.
Download: TUI Winter 2022 Newsletter & Impact Report (.pdf; 15.5 MB)
Authors: Dumroese, Landis, Luna (US Forest Service) Date: July 2021
Growing native plants can be fun, challenging, and rewarding. This booklet, updated from the 2012 edition, introduces important concepts for getting started with growing natives. It can also be helpful to more experienced growers interested in starting a nursery. The second chapter provides basic information about collecting, processing, storing, and treating seeds. Chapter three focuses on using seeds to grow plants in the field or in containers using simple but effective techniques. For those native plants that reproduce poorly from seeds, the fourth chapter describes how to start native plants from cuttings. The final chapter provides valuable information on how to successfully move native plants from the nursery and establish them in their final planting location.
Download: Raising Native Plants in Nurseries: Basic Concepts (pdf; 10 mb)
Title: RNPP | TUI Seed Production Business Plan
Date: September 2021
This business plan was developed to help land managers appropriately plan their future seeding efforts both in terms of time management and seed-cost projections by taking into account the full life cycle of seed production. We hope this business plan will also help local farmers have realistic expectations about seed pricing and production timelines.
Author: Kathryn Prive
Author: Project Milkweed Date: 2017
Project Milkweed is a collaboration with the Xerces Society, the native seed industry, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to increase commercial availability of milkweed seed. Since 2010 this partnership has worked to address some of the major production challenges faced by the native seed industry and has expanded commercially viable milkweed production to regions where seed was not previously available.
During Project Milkweed surveys of native seed producers, yield loss from insect pests was consistently the most significant challenge reported. Further complicating the situation is the abundance of monarch butterfly caterpillars, crop pollinators, and predatory insects, all of which are typically found in seed production plots and which are vulnerable to insecticides used for pest control.
Download PDF: Managing Milkweed Crop Pests: A Native Seed Industry Guide (3MB)
Authors: Bonner, F.T. and Karrfalt R.P. (eds.) Date: 2008
The major audience for this book, as for its two predecessors, is those who are involved in the growing and planting of trees and shrubs. Their involvement can be collection and sale of seeds, production of nursery stock (both bare- root and container), or planting itself. Planting for commercial forest production is the traditional mainstay of tree planting, but planting for wildlife food, watershed protection, urban environmental improvement, ornamental enhancement, wetland mitigation, and carbon sequestration are all on the increase. Ecosystem management, now commonly used in the management of many federal and other governmental forest lands, has decreased the use of planting to regenerate the forests and has increased the role of natural regeneration. Those who apply these practices will find this book useful also in the data on flowering and seed production. Although the book is not intended to be a detailed textbook on seed ecology and physiology, there is sufficient scope and depth to the material included to make it useful to anyone who studies seeds.
Download (PDF): The Woody Plant Seed Manual (21MB)
Author: Vivrette, N.
The deep dormancy exhibited by seeds of many native plants can lead to the under estimation of total viability in laboratory tests. Pre-treatment of dormant seeds with gibberellic acid to break dormancy prior to testing for germination or total viability can give a more accurate assessment of seed quality.
Download (PDF): Techniques to Determine Total Viability in Native Seed (93KB)
Authors: Guerrant Jr., E.O. and Raven, A.
Seeds of 69 taxa native to the Willamette Valley, Oregon were subjected to four germination treatments: two under ambient late winter into summer environmental conditions (untreated (fresh) seed or dry and frozen seed) and two in controlled environment chambers (some seed was cold stratified at 5°C then placed in a 10°C/20°C chamber, other seed was placed in 10°C/20°C chamber then moved to a 5°C/15°C chamber). At least 93% of the taxa tested can tolerate desiccation and frozen storage.
One third of the taxa had a maximum mean germination above 80% in at least one of the four germination treatments, 55% of the taxa had a maximum mean germination rate between 10% and 80%, and only 12 % of the taxa had less than 10% germination. A total of 88% of the taxa had their highest germination in one or both of the two treatments, fresh and cold stratification.
Download (PDF): Seed Germination and Storability Studies of 69 Plant Taxa Native to the Willamette Valley Wet Prairie (267KB)
Author: Landis, T.D.
Native plant nurseries face different challenges than traditional forest and conservation nurseries. They must educate their customers to the practical limitations of propagating native plants such as the poor availability of seeds or vegetative propagation material. The unusually long amount of time to collect propagules, treat seeds or cuttings, and grow the seedlings emphasizes the need for crop planning well in advance of the outplanting date. The concept of “source-identified, locally-adapted” planting stock must continually be stressed when dealing with native plant customers. New products mean new markets so nurseries should try to produce a range of species and stock types and show them to prospective customers. Native plant nurseries and customers should establish networks to better exchange information. Although there are few incentives to do so, both nurseries and seedling users should strive to share techniques about collecting seed and cuttings, seed treatments, and cultural techniques. Attending professional meetings and presenting propagation and outplanting information is one of the most effective ways to network. Publishing propagation protocols on the Internet is an exciting new way to share technical information.
Download (PDF): Ruminations and Ramblings About Native Plant Propagation (313KB)
Author: Steinfeld, D.
J. Herbert Stone Nursery produces over 20,000 pounds of native grass seed annually from 36 species endemic to public lands in the western states. Nursery seedbeds are established from wild seed collections. Each collection (referred to as seedlot) is grown separately from other seedlots of same species to prevent cross pollen contamination. Sowing, culturing, harvesting and storage practices for seed and seedling production are discussed. Methods and strategies for achieving successful restoration projects using native grass seed and seedlings are also addressed.
Download (PDF): Propagating Native Grass Seed and Seedlings (202KB)
Authors: Justice, O.L. & Bass, L.N. Date: 1978
Details different methods of seed storage, different types of seed storage structures, temperature control methods, packaging materials, monitoring methods, and more.
Download (PDF): Principles and Practices of Seed Storage (11MB)
Author: Hipkins, V.
The genetic variation contained within a species is paramount for its survival and future evolution. Species exhibit a large range in their levels and patterns of genetic variation. This range in population structure is basic to the use and conservation of genetic diversity in plants. In order to understand, conserve, and manage plant populations, it is necessary to measure the levels of genetic variation within a species. We have at our disposal a variety of estimation tools. These tools provide information about plant identity, taxonomy, hybridization, parentage and mating systems, and levels and structure of genetic diversity. Genetic information can be used to guide restoration and revegetation projects, conservation concerns, and seed transfer movement. Our role at NFGEL is to conduct laboratory genetic tests and provide information to land managers so that they may better utilize and manage plant species.
Download (PDF): Genetic Studies in Native Plants (209KB)
Authors: Harrington C.A., Lodding, C.C., and Kraft J.M. Date: 1999
Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) seeds can be extracted and cleaned in a procedure which utilizes a mortar and pestle, a blender with a rubber blade, and several sieves. The method involves several steps but is not difficult and can result in a large amount of seed in a short period of time. Following extraction, the seeds can be dried and stored at low moisture content (6%) in sealed containers at 3-5°C or given a cold strati cation treatment and then sown. Cold stratification periods of 60 days or longer increased the initial rate of germination compared to seeds stratified for 40 days but resulted in seed losses due to premature germination during stratification. For lots from the Puget Sound Lowlands, cold stratification for 40 days is adequate; seeds in stratification longer than 40 days should be monitored closely for premature germination.
Download (PDF): Extraction and Germination of Pacific Madrone Seed (150KB)
Author: Native Plant Network (various authors)
The Native Plant Network is devoted to the sharing of information on how to propagate native plants of North America (US, Canada, Mexico and the Pacific Islands). Search the database for extensive details on how to propagate different plants, or scroll through alphabetically.
Visit (website): Native Plant Network Propagation Protocols
Author: Getty, J. Date: 2013
The Willamette Valley Native Plant Materials Partnership was formed in 2012 with the goals of pooling resources and coordinating production efforts to improve native plant material availability and lower costs for the Willamette Valley Ecoregion. The Willamette Valley has a variety of habitats that comprise a unique community of native plant species and ecosystem functions, and a high percentage of these habitats have been converted to agricultural, industrial, and residential uses. A regional approach to the coordination of native plant materials development, production, and restoration contribute to a more cohesive valley-wide effort to conserve and restore increasingly rare habitats such as wetlands, oak savanna, and upland prairies.
Download (PDF): Willamette Valley Native Plant Materials Partnership Strategic Plan 2013-2017 (3MB)
Authors: Elias, S. & Garay, A. Date: 2004
The TZ test, one of the most significant discoveries in seed testing in the 20th century, provides an answer. It determines the percentage of viable seeds within a sample, even if seeds are dormant. This is particularly useful for freshly harvested seeds that possess high levels of dormancy such as some grasses and native species. The results of the TZ test indicate the amount of viable seeds in a sample that are capable of producing normal plants under suitable germination conditions.
Download (PDF): Tetrazolium Test: a fast, reliable test to determine seed viability (241KB)
Author: Smith, S. Date: 2017
Abstract: Regional native seed cooperatives are emerging as a tool to vastly improve the availability of genetically appropriate native seed. Within a cooperative, practical and ecological requirements for native seed are balanced by bringing users and producers together to jointly develop genetic protocols. Regional native seed cooperatives promote a novel agricultural niche that requires the development of new farms, infrastructure, and techniques. The South Sound Prairies partnership has a successful cooperative that is used here as a case study to explore this model of seed production.
Download (PDF): Regional Native Seed Cooperatives (365KB)
Author: McCormack, J.H. Date: 2010
Principles and practices of seed harvesting, processing, and storage: an organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Download (PDF): Seed Processing and Storage (2MB)
Authors: Hudson, S. & Carlson, M. Date: 1998
Abstract: British Columbia’s considerable diversity of soils, topographies and climates have given rise to a rich variety of native plant species. Many commercially valuable tree species have well established protocols for seed collection, planting stock production, seedling handling and planting. Comparatively little is known about these activities for non-commercial shrub and tree species. Many of these deciduous shrub and tree species are being used for watershed restoration and rehabilitation of eroded slopes, road edges and landings. Demands for planting stock are increasing each year.
Download (PDF): Propagation of Interior British Columbia Native Plants from Seed (275KB)
Author: Haase, D. and Rose, R. (OSU) Date: 2001
Abstract: Propagation and planting of native plants for habitat restoration is a multi-faceted process. There are many issues over which there is general agreement among restorationists, but there are a number of subjects that cause disagreement. For example, restorationists often agree that native plants should be emphasized, but disagree over where seeds or transplants should come from. In this paper, I examine four areas of controversy: the use single or multiple sources of a species at a given restoration site (the SOMS debate), source distance of plant materials, the use of native plant selections, and the importance of one’s definition of “native plant.” I conclude that some of these issues may be resolved through careful research, while others will remain a matter of personal opinion, and can only be resolved through a clear statement and scope of objectives of each restoration project.
Download (PDF): Native Plant Propagation and Restoration Strategies (3MB)
Author: Tucson Plant Materials Center Date: 2004
Details information on seed certification, site selection and preparation, weed control, diseases and insects, seed harvesting, processing native seed, and seed production guidelines on a few specific native plants.
Download (PDF): Native Seed Production (899KB)
Author: Center for Natural Lands Management Date: 2017
The Center for Natural Lands Management is known for superior stewardship of natural lands and rare species. This expertise is also a focus for the South Sound Program, building on a 19 year track record of successfully restoring South Sound habitats as part of The Nature Conservancy. The South Sound Program focuses much of its effort on the rarest habitats of the area – prairies, oak woodlands and the freshwater systems of the Black River.
Download (PDF): South Sound Prairies Conservation Nursery 2017 Annual Report (2MB)
Authors: Broadhurst, L., Jones, T., Smith, F., North, T. and Guja, L. Date: 2015
Abstract: Seed is fundamental to broadscale plant restoration when the goal is to re-establish species and ecosystems. But climate change is expected to significantly influence plant reproduction, affecting seed availability and viability as well as planting opportunities. Meeting growing restoration targets within these constraints in new and unfamiliar climates will be challenging. Consequently, we need to develop a range of flexible strategies to ensure that sufficient volumes of viable seed are available to take advantage of planting opportunities under novel environmental scenarios. This requires coordinated leadership to align funding and planting timelines, using seed production areas to improve seed supply, building and maintaining infrastructure to stockpile seed, encouraging research to overcome storage and germination constraints, and developing and implementing new technologies in all of these areas. Increased tolerance to risk and failure will also be required as the application of current restoration practices may not be appropriate as the climate changes.
Download (PDF): Maximizing Seed Resources for Restoration in an Uncertain Future (226KB)
Author: USDA Date: 1968
Details seed cleaning techniques, seed cleaners and separators, conditioning and treatments, handling and storing, and plant layout.
Download (PDF): Mechanical Seed Cleaning and Handling, Agricultural Handbook No.354 (10MB)
Author: The Xerces Society Date: 2014
The information in Milkweeds: A Conservation Practitioner’s Guide is gathered from interviews with native plant nurseries and seed producers, gained firsthand through Project Milkweed, and synthesized from scientific literature. It provides conservation professionals with information about optimizing milkweed seed production methods, offers guidance on incorporating milkweeds into restoration and revegetation efforts, and highlights milkweeds’ unique characteristics and value to wildlife. Native seed producers, restoration practitioners, land managers, monarch conservationists, gardeners, and landowners will all find this guide valuable.
Download (PDF): Milkweeds: a Conservation Practitioner’s Guide (6MB)
Author: Plant Conservation Alliance Date: 2018
This document highlights work being done to address each goal of the Seed Strategy, followed by ecoregional projects that illustrate the extent of collaborations that are underway to lay the foundation for a more comprehensive network of collectors, testers, and growers to make native plants more available across the country.
Download (PDF): National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration: Making Progress (7MB)
Author: Plant Conservation Alliance Date: 2015
The National Seed Strategy fosters interagency collaboration to guide the development, availability, and use of seed needed for timely and effective restoration. The Strategy includes four goals, with associated objectives and initial actions (2015-2020) to improve seed supplies for restoring healthy and productive native plant communities.
Download (PDF): National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration (13.7MB)
Author: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Date: 2009
This manual focuses on the seed processing steps that precede – and are necessary for – successful propagation and long-term seed storage. It targets California native plants and plants native to northern Baja California, Mexico, but the general techniques are applicable also to other physiologically or taxonomically related species.
Download (PDF): Processing Seed of California Native Plants RSABC (14.8MB)
Author: Tallgrass Prairie Center (Iowa) Date: 2007
This manual provides basic information for native seed production of nearly 50 species of the tallgrass prairie flora of the upper Mid-west. The information presented is compiled from published accounts coupled with native seed production experience at the Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa.
Download (PDF): Native Seed Production Manual TPC (5MB)
Author: Corvallis PMC & Amy Bartow Date: 2015
The Native Seed Production Manual for the Pacific Northwest contains detailed, species-specific information for 17 grasses, 60 forbs, and 7 sedges and rushes found throughout the Western regions of Oregon and Washington. It also contains information on all aspects of seed production, from establishment and weed control to harvesting and seed processing. The back section features an equipment overview, which explains the various types of equipment used at the Corvallis Plant Materials Center.
Download (PDF): Native Seed Production Manual for the Pacific Northwest (31.6MB)