Sexual propagation of Berberis darwinii (Darwin's barberry) in Andean Patagonia

Abstract

Berberis darwinii Hook. is an endemic species of the Andean Patagonian Forest, appreciated for its ornamental, food, dyeing, and pharmaceutical uses. Despite its properties, its domestication and in situ conservation have been poorly studied in its natural distribution area. It is an invasive exotic in New Zealand, where its propagation and ecophysiology indicate that B. darwinii is part of the transitory seed bank in the soil.

According to the history for the genus, it is propagated by seed subjected to cold-wet stratification (EFH) for 1 to 3 months, showing a delayed germination response with an asynchronous pattern, suggesting physiological latency. Previous studies show disparate results in germination power (PG) applying EFH and scarification treatments, with null results in treatments with gibberellic acid (AG). For this test, three seed harvests were carried out and preserved using three different methods. After storage, only one batch proved viable. Pre-germination treatments of EFH and AG were applied, with and without prior soaking.

The treated seeds were sown in a seedbed, and the seedlings obtained were transplanted to multi- cell trays.

The results confirm that the seeds quickly lose their viability, tending to be recalcitrant and showing delayed germination. EFH had the highest PG and relatively synchronous germination. The seeds treated with AG were induced to germination, a propagation strategy that would allow for shorter production times in the nursery. The treatments did not differ in subsequent vegetative development.