Boiled, tumbled, burned, and heated: Seed scarification techniques for Munro’s globemallow appropriate for large-scale application

Physically dormant seeds of Munro’s globemallow (Sphaeralcea munroana (Douglas) Spach [Malvaceae]) were scarified by boiling, tumbling, burning, dry-heating, and burning + heating treatments in an attempt to find an effective, operational, large-scale treatment for nurseries and restoration activities. Results indicate that out of the tested treatments, seed germination was highest following boiling water scarification (49%). All other treatments did not achieve significant improvements in germination compared to the control. Findings should improve the use of this cool-season perennial for restoration in the Great Basin, where its effectiveness in soil stabilization; its tolerance of disturbance, drought, and extreme temperatures; and its importance as a food source for animals make it a suitable candidate. In addition, the tested treatments should serve as a foundation for further method refinement.