Seeds
Alpine seeds. Using seeds of Australian alpine species, I'm trying to answer questions like: How will seed germination strategies be affected by climate change? What are the temperature and water availability limits for seed germination in alpine species? Does a dry maternal environment increase the water stress tolerance of seeds and seedlings?
Soil seed banks and climate change. The relationship between climate and seed dormancy and germination suggests that climate change will affect soil seed banks. I'm studying the effects of fire, drought, early snowmelt and freezing events on the persistence and germination of alpine and treeline soil seed banks.
Seed conservation. Seed banks are an important strategy for plant conservation. I have helped Pronatura Veracruz to identify and characterise some populations of endangered tree species in eastern Mexico. I have also collected seeds of many species that are now part of Pronatura's seed bank.
Beschorneria yuccoides (Asparagaceae) seeds
Species widely used in Europe and Australia as ornamental, but that no one cares about it in its natural distribution (East Mexico). Seeds collected to produce plants in a native plant nursery and to be stored in a seed bank
Alnus jorullensis (Betulaceae) seeds
A useful species in Mexico mountains. Seeds collected to produce plants in a native plant nursery and so be stored in a seed bank