Long-term variability in seed size and seedling establishment of Maianthemum bifolium

Abstract

Relatively few studies conducted in natural plants populations focus on the relationship between seed size and their germination ability and seedling establishment. Maianthemum bifolium is a perennial herb that spreads vegetatively through rhizomatous growth and reproduces through seeds. However, this species is characterized as seed and microsite limited, and under undisturbed conditions seedlings are not noted. The studies were conducted in two populations of M. bifolium in six subsequent seasons. The mean seed mass was negatively correlated both per ramet as well as in the fruit with the number of seeds, and positively with its height and the number of flowers. The long-term mean annual production of seeds in the populations was 37 and 56 seeds per m 2 . The seeds from both populations had similarly high germination abilities that were approximately 90% under laboratory conditions, 60% in garden, and 55% in the natural habitat. Seeds from four size classes were sown and a positive correlation was noted between seedling establishment and the mass of the seeds from which they grew (r S = 0.64). Seedling survival was also significantly correlated with seed mass.

Influence of cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo colony on biometrical parameters of three-nerved sandwort Moehringia trinervia (Caryophyllaceae) leaves and seeds

“…Seeds from the colony area were twice lighter than seeds from the outside area. Similar negative correlation between the number and mean weight of seeds was observed also for Majanthemum bifolium (Kosiński, 2008). High diversity of seed size among individuals of the same population is commonly known (e.g.…”

“…High diversity of seed size among individuals of the same population is commonly known (e.g. Schaal, 1980;Roach, Wulff, 1987;Ågren, 1989;Kosiński, 2008). Perhaps it is a result of varied fertility of soil or combination of environmental and genetic reasons (Roach, Wulff, 1987).…”

Agronomic assessment of two populations of intermediate wheatgrass—Kernza® (Thinopyrum intermedium) in temperate South America

“…The effects of seed size on plant growth have been studied mostly in annual species but also in perennials, though no consensus has been reached yet. While some studies report that large seeds promote higher rates of seedling growth (Arnott, 1969; Bretagnolle et al, 1995; Glewen & Vogel, 1984; Kosiński, 2008; Leger et al, 2019; Peterson et al, 1989; Smith et al, 2003; Thomas, 1966; Trupp & Carlson, 1971), other studies highlight the limited effect of large seeds that is quickly lost (Beveridge & Wilsie, 1959; Lewis & Garcia, 1979; Naylor, 1980; Smart & Moser, 1999). As in other perennial crops, there is controversy about the effects of seed size on seedling growth in Kernza as well (Cattani & Asselin, 2022; Hunt & Miller, 1965), and there are no studies on the effects of seed size on the growth and development of adult plants.…”

Limited effects of population age on the genetic structure of spatially isolated forest herb populations in temperate Europe

“…Furthermore, a long generation time, as exhibited by A. nemorosa and P. multiflorum (Kosiński, 2008 ; Shirreffs, 1985 ), may provide another explanation. Genetic diversity takes generations to reach an equilibrium (Caplins et al., 2014 ; Epps et al., 2005 ).…”