Comparative seed traits,  germination,  and dormancy status of 18 native plant species in Korea

Sung Min Han; Kyong-Hee Nam

doi:10.7744/kjoas.530310

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2026 Vol.53, Issue 3 Preview Page Next Page

Plant & Forest

Comparative seed traits, germination, and dormancy status of 18 native plant species in Korea

1 September 2026. pp. 419-428

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Abstract

Species-specific information on seed traits is essential for the conservation, propagation, and restoration of plant genetic resources. In this study, we characterized the physical and morphological traits, germination performance, and estimated dormancy status of seeds from 18 plant species occurring in Korea, including two nationally designated Class II endangered wildlife species, Iris laevigata and Lychnis wilfordii. The species were selected based on the availability of mature seed lots obtained through field collection and ex situ conservation activities. Seed lots were harvested in 2020 or 2023 and stored at 4℃ in dry, sealed containers until analysis. Seed size, weight, and surface structure differed markedly among species. Final germination percentages also varied substantially among species, with the highest value of 83.0% observed in Geum aleppicum. Viable but non-germinated seeds were detected in several species, including multiple Iris species. Discrepancies between the present germination results and data from the Korea National Arboretum may reflect differences in seed source, maternal environment, initial seed quality, collection year, and germination-test conditions; because these factors were not controlled across datasets, the cause of the discrepancies could not be determined. Our results provide baseline information on the available seed lots and demonstrate the need for species-specific germination protocols and standardized storage experiments. Furthermore, an integrated seed-trait database incorporating morphological, physiological, ecological, and seed-lot information would improve the reliability of future conservation and propagation programs.

Keywords

Korean flora

seed conservation

seed dormancy

seed germination

seed morphology

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Information

Publisher :Institute of Agricultural Science, Chungnam National University
Publisher(Ko) :충남대학교 농업과학연구소
Journal Title :Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
Journal Title(Ko) :농업과학연구
Volume : 53
No :3
Pages :419-428
Received Date : 2026-04-28
Revised Date : 2026-07-30
Accepted Date : 2026-08-12
DOI :https://doi.org/10.7744/kjoas.530310

Korean Journal of Agricultural Science ISSN:2466-2402(Print) 2466-2410(Online) 농업과학연구

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