At Semillistas, we are always looking for ways to make reforestation more efficient and effective. Today we want to share with you one of our favorite techniques: priming, and how we combine it with pre-germination to overcome some of the biggest challenges in direct seeding.
Priming is a technique that improves seeds before storing them. What does this mean? Basically, we subject seeds to a treatment that accelerates their ability to germinate, even under difficult conditions. For example, seeds that would normally germinate in 20 to 30 days, with priming can germinate in only 7 to 15 days. In addition, this technique improves germination in suboptimal temperatures. Thus, we have seeds ready to act when conditions are ideal.
On the other hand, pre-germination consists of starting the germination process under controlled conditions up to the edge of radicle (root) emergence. Why do we do this? Because by sowing them at that precise moment, germination is almost immediate, reducing predation by animals and increasing the probability of success in the field.
By combining both techniques, we achieve something incredible: we can better predict and control germination rates in different types of soils and climates. This allows us to plant even earlier than natural regeneration conditions, bringing plant development forward by weeks or months. Thus, the young plants have more time to establish themselves before they face their first summer, a critical time for their survival.
Last season we tested this strategy with a small batch, and we were delighted with the results! Now, we’re ready to expand it this year and continue to innovate in our mission to bring life back to the forests.
If you’re interested in learning more, don’t miss our next webinar after planting season. 🌱 Let’s keep planting future together!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
