Intraspecific variation in seed size and light intensity affect seed germination and initial seedling growth of a tropical shrub

Abstract

Seed germination and seedling performance are aff ected by environmental factors and seed traits. In this study we investigated the eff ects of seed size and light intensity on germinability and seedling development of Copaifera oblongifolia. A total of 225 seeds were individually weighed and sown in three germination trays composed of 75 cells each. Each tray was placed in a diff erent germination chamber with controlled photoperiod, temperature and light intensity. Seed size showed a positive relationship with time required for seed germination, and seeds exposed to high light intensity required more time to germinate. Seed size did not aff ect germination percentage, but seeds sown under high light intensity had a lower germination percentage than seeds sown under low light intensity and darkness. Seedling shoot mass showed a positive relationship with seeds mass, and seedlings grown in high light intensity had greater shoot mass than seedling growth in low light intensity and darkness. Th us, seed germinability of C. oblongifolia was higher in darkness while seedlings exhibited greater development under light. Looking to explain the ability of C. oblongifolia to colonize open/disturbed sites, it seems possible that plowing soil can bury seeds, thereby stimulating the germination of seeds present in the seed bank.

Fungi associated with Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) seeds: occurrence and possible effects on seed germination

“…Previous studies have shown that C. oblongifolia seeds have a high germination percentage, and the time required to germination can vary from 12 to 81 days (Veloso et al 2017). The results of Experiment 1 showed that C. oblongifolia seeds do indeed have a high germination percentage (approximately 85 %) and that asepsis does not affect seed germinability.…”

“…The shrubs are semideciduous, with the production of new leaves from July to September. Flowering occurs from February to May, and fruits ripen from August to October (Veloso et al 2017). Upon opening, each fruit exposes one ellipsoid seed (rarely two), which is black, shiny and partially covered by a yellow-orange aril.…”

“…The species occurs in open areas such as abandoned pastures and borders of Cerrado fragments and highways. Moreover, this shrub often invades pastures and agricultural systems, where it can become dominant and inhibit the development of cultivated plants, especially in northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Veloso et al 2017). The aims of the present study were to identify the fungal community (endophytic and nonendophytic fungi) associated with C. oblongifolia seeds, and to test the effects of these different fungal species on germination.…”

Early snowmelt and warmer, drier summers shrink postflowering transition times in subalpine wildflowers

“…Shorter flower–seed transitions could have implications for individual species if they reflect faster rates of development. Fruit‐ and seed‐development time is sometimes associated with final seed size (Moles and Westoby 2006), with intraspecific variation in seed size potentially affecting plant fitness via effects on germination rates (Veloso et al 2017), seedling survival, and final plant size (Simons and Johnston 2000). However, reaching peak seed dispersal sooner rather than later could have the benefit of protecting propagules from late‐season freezes and for many of our study species, ensuring effective dispersal (Appendix : Table S1) before wet, snowy conditions return.…”

Seed morphology: An addition to the taxonomy of Astragaleae and Trifolieae (Leguminosae: Papilionoidae) from Pakistan

“…Seed ultrastructural features particularly the seed surface and cell shape are considered to be a valuable distinguishing character at intraspecific and intrageneric levels (Kubitzki, Rohwer, & Bittrich, 2013). Seed size was reported to be directly related to the number of nutritional reserves that can be allocated to initial seedling development (Veloso et al, 2017). A similar report was given by Mezzonato‐Pires, Mendonç, Milward‐De‐Azevedo, and Gonçalves‐Esteves (2017) documenting that the size particularly the surface of seeds are often useful features for taxonomy.…”