Eco-Sourcing Methodology

Background

Totara Glen Nurseries uses the following eco-sourcing definition:

“Eco-sourced plants are those which are grown from seeds or propagules collected from naturally-occurring vegetation in a locality close to where they are to be replanted as part of a restoration or re-vegetation project.”

The theory says that every patch or community of native bush not only has different species composition from neighbouring areas but also that each and any species occurring within that patch differs, or can differ, genetically from others of its species found in the areas. These genetic differences can express themselves in many ways, the most obvious being visible variations in plant form or leaf shape, the less obvious being variations that affect plant growth, or susceptibility to disease.

Our aim is to preserve as much of our natural environment as we can and wherever possible restore modified areas as close as possible to their ‘natural state’.

Totara Glen Nurseries’ Eco-sourcing policies, processes and procedures adhere closely to the accepted industry standard for eco-sourcing.

Totara Glen Nurseries also adhere to DOC’s similar key eco sourcing principles. These are as follows:

Plant species which are known to be native to the planting area
The closer the seed source to the restoration project the better
Collect from a similar ecosystem to the one being restored
Planning for restoration projects must allow for the timeframes involved in collection and propagation of eco-sourced plant material
Collection of seeds or propagules should take place from areas of indigenous vegetation which are clearly of natural origin

Background

Totara Glen Nurseries uses the following eco-sourcing definition:

Our aim is to preserve as much of our natural environment as we can and wherever possible restore modified areas as close as possible to their ‘natural state’.

Totara Glen Nurseries’ Eco-sourcing policies, processes and procedures adhere closely to the accepted industry standard for eco-sourcing.

Totara Glen Nurseries also adhere to DOC’s similar key eco sourcing principles. These are as follows:

Plant species which are known to be native to the planting area
The closer the seed source to the restoration project the better
Collect from a similar ecosystem to the one being restored
Planning for restoration projects must allow for the timeframes involved in collection and propagation of eco-sourced plant material
Collection of seeds or propagules should take place from areas of indigenous vegetation which are clearly of natural origin

Methodology

Plant and Area Identification

Totara Glen Nurseries senior employees are skilled staff, with tertiary qualifications in horticulture and associated disciplines, having combined field experience of more than 50 years. Our staff are experts at identifying target areas of seed collection throughout New Zealand and offshore Islands. We have both the experience to map out a new area for collection or access to information of areas we have previously collected from. We will note aspects such as current strength of genetic diversity and possible problems of cross pollination from non-eco-sourced plant material, such as the case where bush blocks are in or near town boundaries.

Totara Glen Nurseries has access to both territorial authority land and land in private ownership. We gain appropriate access permission as required from both landowners and territorial authorities.

During collection we take the upmost care of our environment. We collect no more than 10% of the seed of any one tree, always leaving enough for the natural environment to use. We are also careful not to introduce new seeds, or pests and diseases into the collection area.
We do not collect from any rare and endangered plant species, unless specifically asked to do so, normally by DOC for endangered plant research programs. Similarly, we do not collect from any culturally significant plants or trees that are of note to local iwi, unless specifically asked to, such as specific flax plants for weaving.
Our seed collection teams all carry; first aid kits, fire extinguishers, high visibility clothing, handheld GPS tracking equipment, seed collection bags, sterilizing kit (for use where appropriate) and recording documentation.

Documentation and Reporting

Seed collection cards are currently filled out in the field and have the following information.

Date of Collection
Collector
Botanical name/ species
Location / Ecological District
Specific area/botanical significance
GPS coordinates if required
Any other comments

Once collected and processed, each batch of seed is given a unique identification code. This is logged into the inventory module in MS excel and recorded on the original seed collection card, to ensure all information has the ability to be traced if needed. All computer records are archived and regularly backed up, with records stored in the cloud and offsite.

Seed Storage

Totara Glen Nurseries has one of the largest private native seed collections in NZ. We have a range of cool store fridges set at a range of appropriate temperatures, with the ability to store over 10+ million seeds in a controlled environment. This maximizes the life of the native seeds. Our facility is used by some private companies, government departments and territorial authorities to store native seed they have collected. Seed is processed, cleaned, and stored either dry or stratified depending on species.

Stored Seed is coded, by species, year, and ecological region for ease of traceability. Germination trials are regularly carried out to check the viability of some key species and to pre-determine germination ‘take’ rates prior to propagation.