Description

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Context

India has launched its first ever seed germination database which is a free access digital repository of germination protocols for 465 native plant species compiled by the Ecological Restoration Alliance – India also known as ERA-I.

This initiative supports India's commitment under the Bonn Challenge to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

Highlights of the Initiative

Aspect	Details
Scope	1,000+ germination techniques for 465 native plant species
Target Users	Ecological restoration practitioners, nursery managers, native plant enthusiasts
Partners	Auroville Botanical Gardens, ATREE, NCF, Wildlife Trust of India, etc.
Accessibility	Free and public platform for seed germination knowledge

Importance of Native Plants in Ecological Restoration

Ecological Compatibility as they co-evolved with local fauna—birds, mammals, insects, fungi.

Adapted to local climatic and soil conditions.

Require minimal irrigation, fertilizers or human intervention once established.

Help in restoring degraded ecosystems, improve biodiversity.

Restoration Role

Seed Germination Protocols ensure higher survival rates in restoration nurseries.

Useful in reforesting degraded areas, reviving ecosystem services and ensuring biodiversity conservation.

Native Plant Species in ERA-I Database

Botanical Name	Common Name	Ecological Significance
Aegle marmelos	Wood Apple	Sacred tree; drought-tolerant
Bauhinia racemosa	Beedi Leaf Tree	Medicinal, supports butterfly species
Canthium coromandelicum	Coromandel Boxwood	Hardy shrub, native pollinator support
Daphniphyllum neilgherrense	Nilgiri Daphne-leaf	Endemic to Western Ghats
Elaeodendron glaucum	Ceylon Tea	Evergreen tree, wildlife habitat
Ficus benghalensis	Banyan	Keystone species, hosts diverse fauna
Gmelina arborea	White Kashmir Teak	Fast-growing, timber and shade provider
Hopea indica	Malabar Ironwood	Endangered, hardwood tree of Western Ghats
Ixora pavetta	Torchwood Tree	Native flowering shrub
Justicia adhatoda	Malabar Nut	Medicinal plant, supports bee populations
Knema attenuata	Wild Nutmeg	Western Ghats endemic, bird-dispersed fruits
Lawsonia inermis	Henna	Traditional use; supports soil health
Madhuca longifolia	Mahua	Tribal livelihood, oil and food plant
Vachellia nilotica	Babool	Nitrogen-fixing, prevents soil erosion
Withania somnifera	Ashwagandha	Medicinal herb, promotes drought resilience
Ximenia americana	Hog Plum	Hardy tree for arid regions
Ziziphus mauritiana	Indian Jujube	Fruit-bearing, attracts wildlife

Significance of the Database for India’s Restoration Goals

Addressing Knowledge Gaps

Shifts from trial-and-error to scientific protocols.

Helps practitioners grow hard-to-propagate species.

Supports Bonn Challenge

India pledged to restore 26 million hectares.

Native plant-based nurseries accelerate rewilding efforts.

Builds Community Knowledge

23 experts from 11 institutions have uploaded germination protocols.

Encourages collaborative ecological action.

Challenges in Seed Germination and Restoration

Challenge	Impact
Lack of germination knowledge	High failure rate in nurseries
Degraded habitats	Limited native seed sources
Climate unpredictability	Affects germination timing and success
Over-dependence on exotic species	Reduces biodiversity and resilience

Seed Germination

Component	Details
Definition	Seed germination is the process by which a seed develops into a seedling under favorable environmental conditions.
Conditions Required	Water (imbibition), oxygen (respiration), suitable temperature, and sometimes light/dark.
Stages of Germination	1. Imbibition (water uptake) 2. Enzyme activation 3. Cell division and elongation 4. Emergence of radicle (root) 5. Emergence of plumule (shoot)
Types of Germination	Epigeal: Cotyledons emerge above ground (e.g. bean) Hypogeal: Cotyledons stay underground (e.g. maize)
Importance in Ecology	Establishes vegetation in barren/degraded land Maintains genetic diversity Aids in succession and resilience Supports faunal habitat regeneration
Challenges in Germination	Dormancy in seeds Low viability Specific ecological niches Absence of seed pre-treatment knowledge
Seed Pre-Treatments	Scarification (scratching coat) Stratification (cold/moist treatment) Soaking in water/chemicals Light/dark exposure Use of plant growth regulators
Role in Restoration	Germination knowledge helps in raising nurseries for native species used in reforestation, afforestation and ecological repair projects.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the significance of seed germination protocols in ecological restoration. How can India’s first seed germination database contribute to achieving land degradation neutrality under the Bonn Challenge? (250 words)