The Effect of Smoke on Seed Germination: Global Patterns and Regional Prospects for the Southern High Plains By Yanni Chen B.S. A Thesis In WILDLIFE, AQUATIC, WILDLANDS SCIENCE AND MANGEMENT Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Approved Robert D. Cox Chair of Committee Philip S. Gipson John Baccus Norman W. Hopper Mark Sheridan Dean of the Graduate School May, 2014 Copyright 2014, Yanni Chen Texas Tech University, Yanni Chen, May 2014 Acknowledgments I would like to thank Texas Tech University and the department of Natural Resources Management. They offered me various sources to support my academic learning, and provided a safe, friendly environment to focus on my studies. The staff and faculty in the department were always kind and helpful, and willing to offer suggestions. I could not skip expressing my thankfulness to the landowners and managers who were kindly willing to allow me to conduct my smoke studies on their properties. Without their permission, this thesis would have been impossible. Likewise, I would like to express my great appreciation to my volunteers. They helped by driving to the study sites and collecting the data. It’s hard to imagine what would have happened without their support. I also owe special thanks to Dr. Cox and Dr. Gipson. Dr. Cox, who worked as my major advisor, used his gentleness and patience to lead me through three years’ of study. He not only worked with me on my academic progress, he also acted like a role model for me about how to balance work and life. Likewise, I feel I am lucky to work with Dr. Gipson, who is very wise. He not only advised me on my project but also shared his life experiences with me as a kind friend. I’m also grateful for Dr. Baccus and Dr. Hopper, who both served on my committee and provided much valuable advice. Finally, I owe debts of gratitude to my family. My son always generated happiness for me, especially when I was ready to melt down by the pressure, and my husband was always patient to share my feelings. I also want to deliver my appreciation to my parents-in-law; their physical and emotional supports were very important to my ii Texas Tech University, Yanni Chen, May 2014 accomplishments. Last, thanks for my mom and dad, who always have my back and are my eternal support. iii Texas Tech University, Yanni Chen, May 2014 Table of Contents Acknowledgments............................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents ................................................................................................................iv Abstract ...............................................................................................................................vi List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .....................................................................................................................ix I Introduction -- Plant-derived smoke and its potential application for shortgrass prairie restoration ............................................................................................................................ 1 The Influence of Plant-derived Smoke Application on Seed Germination ................ 2 Natural Shortgrass Prairie ........................................................................................... 3 The Potential Need for Restoration in Shortgrass Prairie .......................................... 5 Literature Cited ........................................................................................................... 8 II Meta-analysis of the Effect of Smoke on Seed Germination ......................................... 13 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 13 Methods .................................................................................................................... 16 Results ...................................................................................................................... 20 Discussion................................................................................................................. 22 Literature Cited ......................................................................................................... 26 III Shortgrass Prairie Soil Seed banks Composition in the Southern High Plains............. 34 iv Texas Tech University, Yanni Chen, May 2014 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 34 Methods .................................................................................................................... 37 Results ...................................................................................................................... 40 Discussion................................................................................................................. 41 Literature Cited ......................................................................................................... 44 VI Test of In-Situ Smoke Application as a Restoration Treatment in the Southern High Plains, Texas ...................................................................................................................... 55 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 55 Methods .................................................................................................................... 58 Results ...................................................................................................................... 61 Discussion................................................................................................................. 62 Literature Cited ......................................................................................................... 66 V The Potential of Plant-derived Smoke Application on Soil Seed Banks in Shortgrass Prairie Restoration ............................................................................................................. 78 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 78 Literature Cited ......................................................................................................... 80 A Qualified publications used in meta-analysis ................................................................... 81 B Species Information for Binary Logistic Analysis ........................................................ 88 C Species from Binary Logistic Analysis......................................................................... 150 v Texas Tech University, Yanni Chen, May 2014 Abstract Smoke as a seed germination promoter has been well recognized in many countries. It was first discovered in a fire-prone area, but has since been studied and applied even in fire free areas. It has been proven to exist in endangered species, medical species, and crops, and it is especially well recognized as useful for post-mining restoration. In my thesis, I designed three studies to evaluate the possibility of using smoke to promote restoration in shortgrasss prairie. First, I conducted a meta-analysis of smoke tests from around the globe to detect common patterns of seed response to smoke. The results showed that certain taxonomic orders have a higher chance of responding to smoke application. It also indicated that the smoke response may be more associated with the evolution of species than with local adaption. Second, I tested the soil seed bank composition in the southern High Plains in shortgrass prairie. I observed a limited number of woody species seedlings, indicating a high potential for using soil seed banks in this region as a seed source for restoration. Third, I conducted an in-situ smoke water test. These final results showed that high concentration smoke water can promote the density of total germinants in field applications to soil seedbanks. Overall, smoke appears likely to work as an in-situ treatment in shortgrass prairie to increase the density of total seedlings. However, with the relatively small numbers of grass species I observed in the soil seed banks, if the intention of restoration is to increase the biomass of the plant community, restoration via smoke-induced germination of seeds must increase the number of grass species. vi Texas Tech University, Yanni Chen, May 2014 List of Tables 2.1 Binary Logistic Regression Analysis of all recorded species for germination test condition (model -2 Log likelihood = 2079.471). Bold fonts indicate that the test condition played a role in predicting seed germination response to smoke (p < 0.05)............................. 30 2.2 Results of each step for reducing from the full parameter model in binary logistic regression a backward likelihood ratio test (significant level is 0.05 and cut off value is 0.1). The dependent variable was seed germination response and independent variables were order, growth form, fire-relation, seed source, smoke application, In/Ex-situ, order*fire-relation, order *growth form, fire-relation * growth form, order * fire-relation * growth form. ................... 30 2.3 Best model through binary logistic regression backward