Short communicationEcological role of pyrolysis by-products in seed germination of grass species

•Many pyrolysis by-products may provide the same ecological functions as smoke water.•Germination responses of 17 grass species to 6 pyrolysis by-products were assessed.•At least 1 pyrolysis by-product solution significantly increased germination of 10 species.•Germination of 3 species was inhibited by all pyrolysis solutions.•Pyrolysis by-products may be useful for target species management in reclamation.

Smoke water is well known for its role in seed germination. Many pyrolysis by-products from industry may provide the same ecological function as smoke water, including stimulation of seed germination. Germination responses were assessed for 17 grass species (native to western Canada and commonly used in land reclamation) and 6 pyrolysis by-product solutions (karrikinolide, smoke water, coke, bottom ash, fly ash, biochar) in a laboratory experiment. For 10 of the 17 species studied, germination percentage was significantly increased by at least one pyrolysis by-product, and 3 species were stimulated by all pyrolysis by-products; 3 species had germination reduced by pyrolysis by-products; and almost a quarter of the species were unaffected by pyrolysis by-products.