Long-term seed bank storage reveals interspecific variation in seed longevity of native Rhododendron species in Korea
Research paper
Key message
We evaluated the seed storability of three native Korean Rhododendron species (Rhododendron micranthum Turcz., R. mucronulatum Turcz., and R. schlippenbachii Maxim.) under storage seed bank conditions. Although the three species were classified as bearing orthodox seeds, our analysis revealed a profound interspecific divergence in storability trends. These results highlight the need for species-specific storage protocols, even within the same genus or storage category.
Keywords
Ex situ conservation; Orthodox seed; P50; Storability
Publication
Yong, S., Yeom, D., Lee, Y. et al. Long-term seed bank storage reveals interspecific variation in seed longevity of native Rhododendron species in Korea. Annals of Forest Science 83, 25 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13595-026-01345-7
Handling editor
Erwin Dreyer
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It is interesting to see how seed longevity can differ significantly among Rhododendron species despite all being classified as orthodox seeds. The findings highlight why species-specific storage protocols are important for effective long-term seed conservation.