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Smoke is an important factor involved in fire and
post-fire 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.

South African Journal of Botany
2004, 70(1): 97–101