Seed heat tolerance and germination of six legume species native to a fire-prone longleaf pine forest

Recognition of spatial heterogeneity of fire at fine scales is emerging, particularly in ecosystems characterized by frequent, low-intensity fire regimes. Differences in heat flux associated with variation in fuel and moisture conditions create microsites that affect survivorship and establishment of species. We studied the mechanisms by which fire affects seed germination using exposure of seeds to fire surrogates (moist and dry heat). Tolerance (survival) and germination responses of six perennial, herbaceous legume species common to the fire-prone longleaf pine–wiregrass ecosystem of the southeastern USA were examined the following heat treatments. Moist heat was more effective in stimulating germination than dry heat flux for most species examined. We also compared intrinsic seed properties (relative seed coat hardness, percent moisture, and seed mass) among species relative to their heat tolerance and heat-stimulated germination responses. Seed coat hardness was closely associated with the probability of dry and moist heat-stimulated germination. Variation among species in optimal germination conditions and degree of heat tolerance likely reflects selection for specific microsites among a potentially diverse suite of conditions associated with a low-intensity fire regime. Fire-stimulated germination, coupled with characteristics of seed dormancy and longevity in the soil, likely fosters favorable recruitment opportunities in restoration situations aimed at reintroducing a frequently prescribed burn regime to a relict longleaf pine site. In a restoration context in which externally available seed pool inputs are limited, this regenerative mechanism may provide a significant source of recruitment for vegetative recovery in a post-fire landscape.