Improving tree seed quality using high-throughput technologies
Interdisciplinary research using high-throughput phenotyping to assess the effects of innovative plasma-based treatments on seed quality, germination, storability and seedling development of UK native tree seeds.
Increasing the quality and quantity of tree seeds available for nurseries is a critical step to meet UK targets to increase tree and woodland cover. However, seed dormancy, slow and unpredictable germination, and poor storability are all barriers to nursery production.
This interdisciplinary project will quantitatively assess the potential of two high-throughput technological innovations for improving the seed quality of UK native tree species.
Collaborating with partners in Germany to access innovative technologies that are not yet available in the UK, we will use high-throughput 3D X-ray phenotyping to assess the effects of innovative plasma-based methods (direct, plasma-treated air and plasma-treated water) for breaking seed dormancy and improving germination, storage, and seedling development of six UK native tree species.
The development and optimisation of plasma treatments and phenotyping algorithms for diverse tree seeds will enable the wider application of these technologies in the forestry sector to improve seed quality and enhance the propagation of trees from seeds.
- Assess the effectiveness of three types of plasma treatments on breaking seed dormancy and enhancing germination (proportion and rate) of tree seeds.
- Identify the underlying mechanisms of dormancy break by plasma treatments using state-of-the-art research techniques
- Develop and optimise algorithms for automated 3D X-ray phenotyping that can be leveraged to screen and sort tree seed batches for optimal seed quality
- Explore the consequences of plasma treatments on tree seed longevity during ex situ storage and potential application to seed sanitisation.
- Promote cross-sector collaboration between research organisations, commercial seed producers and technology providers to enhance the sharing of data and expertise and establish long-term links.
Lead Department
Trait Diversity and Function
Project Leader
Louise Colville
Team members
Charlotte Seal
Davide Gerna
Ademola Adetunji
The project is funded by the Forestry Commission through the Tree Production Innovation Fund