Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and, Evolution of Dormancy and Germination

Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination differs from all other books on seed germination. It is an all-encompassing volume that provides a working hypothesis of the ecological and environmental conditions under which various kinds of seed dormancy have developed. It also presents information on the seed germination of more than 3500 species of trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous species, making this a valuable reference for anyone studying germination.
This book delivers information on characteristics of each type of seed dormancy, how each type of dormancy is broken in nature, and what environmental conditions are required for germination after dormancy is broken. It explains how studies should be done to distinguish persistent from transient seed banks, and covers which species should be controlled, propagated, and conserved. Seeds gives the reader insight and guidelines for doing ecologically meaningful studies on the biogeography and evolution of seed dormancy and germination in order to better understand plant reproductive strategies, life history traits, adaptations to habitats, and physiological processes.

Evolutionary/phylogenetic origins and relationships of various kinds of seed dormancyA world biogeographical perspective on seed dormancy and germinationEcophysiology of seeds with each type of dormancyCritical evaluation of methodology used in soil seed bank studiesGermination ecology of plants with specialized habitat and life cycle typesGenetic and maternal preconditioning effects on seed dormancy and germinationGuidelines for doing ecologically-meaningful germination studies

Introduction.
Ecologically Meaningful Germination Studies.
Types of Seed Dormancy.
Germination Ecology of Seeds with Nondeep Physiological Dormancy.
Germination Ecology of Seeds with Morphophysiological Dormancy.
Germination Ecology of Seeds with Physical Dormancy.
Germination Ecology of Seeds in the Persistent Seed Bank.
Causes of Within-Species Variations in Seed Dormancy and Germination Characteristics.
A Geographical Perspective on Germination Ecology: Tropical and Subtropical Zones.
A Geographical Perspective on Germination Ecology: Temperate and Arctic Zones.
Germination Ecology of Plants with Specialized Life Cycles and/or Habitats.
Biogeographical and Evolutionary Aspects of Seed Dormancy.
Subject Index.