seed collection

There is much more to seed collection than just heading out into the bush and picking seed. Consideration must be given to the following:
• Licensing - all seed collection activities are the subject of strict licensing, reporting and other requirements of the WA Department of Environment and Conservation in enforcing the relevant government acts and regulations.
• Provenance - many plant species have evolved to perform optimally in particular areas, with respect to the soil type, nutrient availability, local microclimate and other factors. Recovery and re-use in the same local area will maintain genetic integrity and adaptation to local conditions.
• Timing  - is of utmost importance, so that the seed is collected at the appropriate stage of ripeness. Maturation varies a lot over the Swan Coastal Plain area so it is important to plan for the whole season well in advance. While seed of a limited number of species can be collected year-round, the main collection season usually spans the months between October and March.
• Species - collections can be bio-diversity oriented (collecting smaller amounts of every species present) or targeted at specific species as required (such as Carnaby's Cockatoo habitat and foraging species, as is now a common requirement in many local developments).
• Processing -  once collected the seed needs to be processed - further details can be found in the processing section of our website.
• Storage and tracking - Tranen has developed in-house a sophisticated data base system for the recording and tracking of important information relating to individual seed lots, and has a computer-based system employing GPS and GIS for keeping track of collection locations. Appropriate seed storage methods are important to maintain the viability and longevity of seed by keeping it fresh and protected from vermin attack.

Tranen would be delighted to discuss your seed collection requirements with you and to prepare a proposal for seed collection for you. Contact in the first instance should be made to david.venning@tranen.com.au