The potential of smoke in seed technology

Smoke is an important factor involved in fire and postfire germination cues. The role of smoke in stimulating germination was first highlighted in South Africa in a study on Audouinia capitata, a threatened fynbos species. Further studies on South African fynbos, Californian chaparral and Australian species have illustrated the widespread ability of smoke to promote germination of many species from fire-prone areas. However, smoke-stimulated germination is not limited to species from fire-prone habitats, and a variety of species from fire-free habitats also respond positively. Smoke and aqueous smoke extracts can potentially be used for a variety of applications related to seed technology. These include uses in horticulture, agriculture, ecological management and rehabilitation of disturbed areas