Seeding pines in the Mediterranean region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21750/REFOR.21.02.132Keywords:
forest restoration, direct seeding, Pinus spp., precision restoration, seeding drones, seed coatingAbstract
Extensive disturbance to the ecologically, socially, and economically important pine (Pinus spp. L.) forests of the Mediterranean region has created a strong need for forest restoration throughout the region. Seeding could potentially be a viable option for regenerating some of the 10 pine species that occur in the region, especially the fire-adapted serotinous species, but previous seeding efforts have been marked with inconsistent success. From our synthesis of available literature and practical experience, we briefly summarize the history of applied trials and pine seeding research, examine the factors that determine pine seeding success, and discuss what we have learned that can make seeding an ecologically and economically viable approach to pine forest establishment in the Mediterranean region. Future refinement of autonomous drones for seed delivery, selection of favorable sowing microsites, and improvement of seed coating technologies that minimize seed predation and support seedling establishment will support “precision restoration” practices that promise to advance pine seeding to an operational scale in the Mediterranean region.
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