Germination of Agave obscura seeds: effects of storage time and crossing systems

Agave reproduction can occur both sexually and asexually; however, the vast majority of species mainly propagate asexually. Seed germination studies are of great importance in conservation biology, ecological restoration, and the development of management plans. Our aim was to determine the effect of the crossing system and storage time on the germination success in seeds of Agave obscura (Agavaceae), a species endemic to Mexico. The seeds were derived from manual cross-pollination, manual self-pollination, and natural pollination, and had been stored for 19 and seven months. Germination experiments were conducted under controlled light conditions at 25 °C. The percentage of germination in seeds stored for seven months (76%) was higher than in those stored for 19 months (46%) (df = 1, dev.resid = 1439.6, Pr (> chi) =  < 0.05)) Crossing systems show effects in the percentage of germination (P(> │Chi │ < 0.05). The seed germination capacity decreased as a function of storage time. Seed storage time had no effect on subsequent seedling size, but pollination type did affect seedling growth. A. obscura produces viable seeds with germination capacity in a natural manner, which favors the maintenance of natural populations, although it’s necessary to evaluate other ecological processes such as the establishment of seedlings in the field and their survival in different age categories.