Showing papers in "Biology and Environment-proceedings of The Royal Irish Academy in 2003"

Monitoring seed viability of fifteen species after storage in the irish threatened plant genebank

Abstract: Germination trials of fifteen rare and endangered Irish plant species, representing twenty-two accessions, were conducted after up to seven years storage in the Irish Threatened Plant Genebank. Seeds had been stored at low moisture content (approximately 5 per cent) and at low temperature (−18°C). A variety of results was obtained, with some species showing a significant increase in percentage germination, some showing a significant decrease in percentage germination and others showing no significant change. Within a species, consistent results were not always obtained, with individual accessions sometimes showing varied germination results. Consistent monitoring of seed storage conditions along with regular viability checks is recommended in order to improve the management of the Irish Threatened Plant Genebank. Based on the results presented here, the extrapolation of results from one accession of a species to include all other accessions of the species is not recommended.

Changes in Land–use Practices at Two Turloughs, on the East Burren Limestones, Co. Galway, with Reference to Nature Conservation

Abstract: Two turloughs on the east Burren limestones in County Galway were the subject of a study of current and recent management practices. Farmers with animals on each turlough were interviewed about stock type, stocking density, time of stocking and fertiliser application. Cattle were and still are the dominant stock, but average densities have increased by over 60% over 40 years. One turlough (Caherglassaun) has a history of fertiliser use, and stocking levels are more intense. There was no standard grazing time or stocking density for either turlough. Farmers often operated quite different regimes for the same turlough. The maximum length of any regime was almost seven months, the period without flooding. These results are discussed in relation to the designation of many turloughs as Candidate Special Areas of Conservation (CSACs). Flexibility in devising management plans for the turloughs is recommended.