Influence of seed mass and shape on light plasticity of germination of alpine plants on the Tibetan Plateau: The role of photoblastic taxa, dispersal ability, and life history

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 51, P. e02896 - e02896

Published: March 12, 2024

Responses of post-disposal germination to light play a crucial role in shaping niches and determining the success seedling establishment, ultimately impacting species distribution community composition. Seed traits are pivotal factors that influence species' germination, dispersal, life history strategies. However, it remains unclear whether relationship between seed plasticity is regulated by such as history, photoblastic taxa, dispersal ability. We measured shape mass 114 on grasslands Tibetan Plateau. Germination experiments were conducted under two conditions: dark light. also classified based taxa (photostimulation vs. photoinhibition), (annual perennial), ability (weak strong). Phylogenetic structural equation models (SEM) used test complex traits, ability, plasticity. found neither nor differed taxa. Species with photostimulation exhibited greater compared photoinhibition Non-spherical seeds (elongated or flat) possessed low germination. The varied different Specifically, species, increased was associated higher whereas an opposite evident. Moreover, indirectly influenced via shape. Our results imply combinations can strategies response stimulation, which turn may differentiation persistence soil. Furthermore, affect implies reproductive strategy adapt environment be multi-faceted

Language: Английский

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Large and non-spherical seeds are less likely to form a persistent soil seed bank

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291(2024)

Published: June 1, 2024

There is some evidence that seed traits can affect the long-term persistence of seeds in soil. However, findings on this topic have differed between systems. Here, we brought together a worldwide database data for 1474 species to test generality mass–shape–persistence relationships. We found significant trend low be associated with larger and less spherical seeds. relationship varied across different clades, growth forms ecological preferences. Specifically, relationships were more pronounced Poales than other order clades. Herbaceous tend sites soil sand content precipitation stronger shape higher precipitation. For woody plants, morphology was high Improving ability predict bank formation process, including burial persistence, could benefit utilization morphology–persistence management strategies vegetation restoration controlling invasion diverse types environments.

Language: Английский

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Variation in Thickness of Embryo Covering Structures and Their Role in the Regulation of Seed Physiological Dormancy of Chenopodium hircinum (Amaranthaceae)

Plants, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(19), P. 2832 - 2832

Published: Oct. 9, 2024

Chenopodium hircinum, the putative wild ancestor of quinoa, is a source traits that could improve tolerance crop quinoa to high temperatures. However, seeds C. hircinum have physiological dormancy (PD), which an obstacle for plant propagation and use in breeding programs. We studied intraspecific variability morpho-anatomical embryo covering structures their association with PD. also evaluated effects different dormancy-breaking treatments on PD alleviation germination. Seeds were dispersed remnant perianth persistent pericarp be removed by scraping. The seed coat was formed palisade cells impregnated tannins, contained thin layer peripheral endosperm surrounding embryo. In our investigation, thickness (P) and/or (SC) varied among populations. Populations higher P SC showed lower percentages germination water absorption. combined treatment (bleach + perforated coverings gibberellic acid) promoted release increased non-deep dormancy. Based previous knowledge about results, we conclude coverings, especially coat, important role control, imposing mechanical restraint radicle emergence.

Language: Английский

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Variation in Seed Morphological Traits Affects the Dispersal Strategies of Chromolaena odorata Following Invasion

Plants, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(13), P. 1747 - 1747

Published: June 24, 2024

Seed germination and dispersal have an important impact on the establishment spread of invasive plants. Understanding extent intraspecific seed trait variations can enhance our understanding how plants respond to environmental change after introduction help predict dynamic species under future conditions. However, less attention has been given variation in traits within as opposed among species. We compared production, morphological traits, ability, seedling performance Chromolaena odorata from 10 introduced populations Asia 12 native America a common garden. The results showed that range (introduced vs. native) climate affected these traits. Compared with population, had higher numbers per capitula, lighter seeds, potential ability seeds (lower terminal velocity) but lower rates lengths. Climatic clines capitula pappus length were observed; however, differed between populations. Trait covariation patterns also different both ranges. In populations, there was trade-off mass, while this relationship not found for These indicate C. alters ecological strategy following invasion, which facilitates its fast contributes successful invasion

Language: Английский

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Phytosociological Investigations on the Afroalpine Vegetation of the Ruwenzori Mountains (Uganda)

Land, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(11), P. 1752 - 1752

Published: Oct. 25, 2024

This paper presents the results of a phytosociological study on Afroalpine vegetation Ruwenzori Mountains, one most prominent mountain ranges in Africa. marks pioneering comprehensive investigation into plant communities this region, which holds significant phytogeographic importance. Through statistical analyses, eight distinct communities, three new alliances, two orders, and class were identified within altitudinal range 3500 to 4600 m above sea level. These are well-defined from both floristic ecological perspectives. Hierarchical classification was conducted using quantitative Sørensen (Bray-Curtis) distance measure beta flexible linkage method. Furthermore, indicator species for each group determined by calculating fidelity constancy (occurrence frequency) classified dataset. To assess validity results, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) carried out. analyses provide first arrangement providing solid framework valuable insights its characteristics.

Language: Английский

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