# Effect of intraspecific seed trait variation on the germination of eight tropical dry forest species

## TL;DR

This study examines how seed traits like mass, volume, and nutrients affect germination in eight tropical dry forest species.

## Contribution

The study reveals that nitrogen content is more important than seed size for germination in tropical dry forest species.

## Key findings

- Seed size (mass and volume) did not predict germination rates or percentages.
- Nitrogen content was the most important trait influencing germination.
- Higher C/N ratios in larger seeds may improve resistance to desiccation.

## Abstract

Functional traits can have intraspecific and interspecific variations essential in the structure and dynamics of natural communities. These traits may have implications in the germination and seedling establishment phases in seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of variations in mass, volume, and nutrient content (C, N, and P) on the germination of eight species representative of the tropical dry forest (TDF). Our results showed that seed size, both in terms of mass and volume, did not predict germination rates or percentages, nor were they related to nutrient content. In contrast, N content was the most important trait in the germination phase. Larger seeds did not germinate more or faster, but they could offer better resistance against desiccation, since they had higher C/N ratios in their tissues, a characteristic of orthodox seeds. The species A. guachapele, B. arborea, H. crepitans, and V. tortuosa presented a high biological potential in terms of their regeneration capacity, particularly, because the characteristics of their seeds, as well as the nutrient content, revealed consistent implications in their reproductive success, promoting high germination percentages in less time. In general, the results obtained in this study provide basic knowledge for future research, offering starting points for further exploration of species-specific adaptations and how they may be affected by the environment.