Vascular connections between the receptacle and empty achenes in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Empty achenes in sunflower, particularly in the centre of the capitulum, may be caused by poor vascularization. This hypothesis was tested by microscopic examination and translocation experiments. Phloem and xylem were identified by fluorescence of aniline-blue-stained callose and autofluorescence, respectively. Vascular strands that extended from the receptacle into empty achenes were regularly found in longitudinal sections. The phloem-mobile probe, carboxyfluorescein, was translocated from the receptacle to the pericarp and the testa of empty achenes. Similarly, (14)CO(2)-derived (14)C-photoassimilates moved into empty achenes. The observations suggest that empty achenes are both structurally and functionally connected with the vascular system of the receptacle. Hence, deficient vascular connections do not prevent seed filling in sunflower.     

菊科入侵植物三叶鬼针草的繁殖特征及其与入侵性的关系

三叶鬼针草(Bidens pilosa)是一种危害严重的菊科入侵植物.通过实验观察和人工控制套袋等方法,对其花序开花动态、花粉胚珠比(P/O)、自交亲和性、花粉活力、访花昆虫和种子(瘦果)的萌发率等与繁殖相关的特征进行了研究,探讨了这些繁殖特征与入侵性的关系.三叶鬼针草在10-11月开花,单个花序的花期约为5-6天.每小花的花柱基部有圆筒状的蜜腺环绕.单个花序内可自交亲和,自交结实率和花粉活力均较高,其P/O值为1754.12士29.87.主要访花者为灰蝶科(Lycaenidae)、粉蝶科(Pjerjdae)和茧蜂科(Braconidae)昆虫.三叶鬼针草所具有的灵活交配机制是其入侵成功的重要因素.此外,三叶鬼针草结实量大、种子产生迅速且适于传播,以及种子萌发范围广和短期快速萌发等特性也增强了其入侵性.     

Reproductive biological characteristics potentially contributed to invasiveness in an alien invasive plant Bidens frondosa

Bidens frondosa L. (Asteraceae) is a widespread invasive weed in China. By experimental observation and bagging treatment, the reproductive biological characteristics of this species, such as phenology of flowering, floral syndrome, breeding system and seed germination characteristics, were studied to assess the association of these reproductive characteristics with invasiveness. Flowers of B. frondosa bloom from September to October every year in Ji'an city, Jiangxi province. The lifespan of a single capitulum is approximately 4 to 5 days, with 30 to 60 florets per capitulum. The capitulum diameter, anthocaulus length, floret length and width, stamen length and pistil length were 6.1, 30.9, 2.2, 0.6, 3.0 and 2.7 mm, respectively. The seed set percentage of 48.5% in the treatment of bagging flowers without emasculation suggests B. frondosa is self‐compatible; meanwhile, the percentage of 63.1% in the treatment of bagging with emasculation and manual xenogamy suggests it also is cross‐compatible. P/O ratio per capitulum of this species was 450.5, which suggests that the breeding system of B. frondosa is facultative xenogamous, and it needs pollinators to some degree. The main floral visitors were insects of Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera. The 1000‐achenes weight was 1.97 g. The achenes emerged as a small germination peak from the fourth to fifth day, and had a high accumulated germination rate of up to 84.0% on day 20 after sowing. Our experimental findings suggested that the reproductive biological characteristics, such as the versatile mating system of self‐ and cross‐pollination, high seed production, a special method of achene dispersal and germination peak, accompanied by a high accumulated germination rate, might contribute to the invasive ability of B. frondosa.     

菊科入侵植物三叶鬼针草的繁殖特征及其与入侵性的关系

三叶鬼针草(Bidens pilosa)是一种危害严重的菊科入侵植物。通过实验观察和人工控制套袋等方法, 对其花序开花动态、花粉胚珠比 (P/O)、自交亲和性、花粉活力、访花昆虫和种子 (瘦果)的萌发率等与繁殖相关的特征进行了研究, 探讨了这些繁殖特征与入侵性的关系。三叶鬼针草在10-11月开花, 单个花序的花期约为5-6天。每小花的花柱基部有圆筒状的蜜腺环绕。单个花序内可自交亲和, 自交结实率和花粉活力均较高, 其P/O值为1 7 54.1 2±29 .8 7。主要访花者为灰蝶科(Lycaenidae)、粉蝶科(Pieridae)和茧蜂科(Braconidae)昆虫。三叶鬼针草所具有的灵活交配机制是其入侵成功的重要因素。此外, 三叶鬼针草结实量大、种子产生迅速且适于传播, 以及种子萌发范围广和短期快速萌发等特性也增强了其入侵性。     

Effects of nitrogen supply on growth, yield and yield components of safflower and sunflower

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) represents an important oil crop internationally and may have a certain production potential under low input conditions, particularly in organic farming systems, where the putatively low nutrient requirement would be an advantage. However, little is known about the nutrient requirements of safflower. This study was undertaken to determine the growth and yield response of safflower as compared to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different N supplies. Safflower and sunflower plants were grown in Mitscherlich pots containing equal volumes of sand, nutrient-poor limed soil, and perlite. Nitrogen supply was the same for both species (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g per pot) in the first year, but was raised for sunflower (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g per pot) in the second. Increased N supply enhanced plant growth and yield for both species. Growth and yield of safflower increased up to 1.0 g pot⁻¹, while the optimum for sunflower was 2.0 g pot⁻¹. Safflower out-yielded sunflower at low N supply, while at high N level the opposite occurred. Functional analysis according to Michaelis–Menten revealed that – in terms of yield formation – safflower is superior to sunflower under N-limited conditions. Safflower is generally more efficient than sunflower in concentrating N in their shoots. N concentration in the photosynthetically active youngest mature blade of both species exhibited the same functional relationship with the N supply, but safflower required a much lower leaf N concentration to produce optimal yield as compared to sunflower, indicating the higher efficiency of the former in terms of NUE. Yield components analysis revealed that in safflower, yield is tightly correlated with the number of capitula per plant and the mass per achene, both being strongly correlated, too. On the contrary, sunflower yield was merely determined by the number of achenes per capitulum, followed by the mass per achene. Path coefficient analysis showed that in safflower, the direct effects of the achene and leaf N content as well as the leaf dry matter on oil yield are small, and mediated principally via indirect effects on the number of achenes per capitulum, while for sunflower the number of achenes per capitulum exerts a strong direct effect. Dedicated to the late Prof. Dr. Burkhard Sattelmacher, who passed away on November 21, 2005.     

Effects of foliar applied gibberellic acid and benzyladenine upon yield components in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunflower yield is determined by seed number/m^–2 and by achene weight. Frequently, a high percentage of empty achenes in the inner portion of the capitulum, probably due to a reduced vascularization of that section of the flower head, decreases final yield. The objective of the present research is to determine if foliarly applied gibberellic acid (GA) and benzyladenine (BA) can enhance the vascularization in the inner portion of the capitulum, improving photoassimilate translocation. Field experiments were conducted during 1989/90 with hybrid SPS 894 and during 1990/91 with hybrid ACA 882. GA (150 mg/l^–1), BA (150 and 250 mg/l^–1) and GA 150+BA 150 mg/l^–1 each were foliarly applied 20, 40, or 60 days after emergence. For both seasons and hybrids plant growth regulator (PGRs) applications significantly reduced the percentage of empty achenes, increased achene weight, achene weight (× 1000) and achene number in the inner portion of the capitulum and in the middle and outer portion during 1990/91. A 25% increase in seed yield was achieved due to PGR application and the capitulum partition index (achene weight/receptacle weight^–1, CPI) was significantly increased due to an improvement in photoassimilate distribution. A distribution model was derived showing that preferential allocation of photoassimilates in the outer portion of the capitulum can be modified by PGR application, demonstrating that photoassimilate distribution is under hormonal control.Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)     

Effects of pollen donors on seed formation inEspeletia schultzii (Compositae) populations at different altitudes

The influence of different pollen donors on seed formation was investigated in three populations ofEspeletia schultzii that differ in environmental conditions and life history characteristics. Self pollen and pollen from different donors (< 15m apart) within each population was used in a diallel design in order to test the genetic base of seed set variation. Three measures of seed formation were used: (1) achene number; (2) proportion of filled achenes (fruits) that distinguishes between achenes with seeds and empty achenes; (3) proportion of aborted seeds that distinguishes between viable and aborted seeds. Self-pollinations resulted in empty achenes. Achene number did not vary between the different pollen donors. A bimodal pattern of filled achenes was found in two populations in two consecutive years. On the other hand, a unimodal pattern was found in crosses between more distant donors (> 30m). These patterns seems to be the results of a sporophytic incompatibility system. Seed abortion was highest at the higher elevations and seems to be correlated with elevation rather than with any genetic effect.     

Variability and Cryptic Heteromorphism of Ambrosia artemisiifolia Seeds: What Consequences for its Invasion in France?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a ruderal weed introduced from North America to Europe. It produces large amount of achenes which are highly heterogeneous in size. Due to the preponderant role of propagules in invasive plant processes, the achene mass variability related to germination, dispersal strategy and life history traits of offspring were investigated within this species. METHODS: The variability in achene mass was quantified among six populations sampled in different habitats. The effects of achene mass variation on germination were studied. The percentages of floating and non-floating achenes were evaluated in the studied populations. The consequences of floatability on the growth and traits of the offspring were studied. KEY RESULTS: Mean achene mass ranged from 1.72 to 3.60 mg, depending on the populations, and was highly variable. Variation among achenes within plants accounted for 63.9 % of the variance, whereas variances among plants within each population (22.2 %) and among populations (13.9 %) were lower. Achene masses were also positively correlated to the total germination percentage for four populations out of six. Two kinds of achenes were distinguished: floating and non-floating. The majority of floating achenes (90 %) sank 24 h after water immersion. Whatever the population, floating achenes were lighter, more dormant and germinated faster than non-floating achenes. Plants which issued from floating achenes had better growth than those from non-floating achenes. CONCLUSIONS: The capacity of A. artemisiifolia to be invasive in Europe appears to be high, possibly due to its huge plasticity in seed mass which may help it to cope with a wide range of conditions and to establish in disturbed habitats. Furthermore, the recent invasion of southern France by A. artemisiifolia could be partially explained by water dispersal of achenes through rivers and has pinpointed its colonization potential along French rivers.     

Influence of achene heteromorphism on life-cycle traits in the annual weed gallant soldier (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.)

Galinsoga parviflora (gallant soldier), Asteraceae, produces two morphologically distinct achenes in a single capitulum: peripheral and central. The morphological, phenological and generative reproduction traits of the progeny derived from peripheral and central achenes that were cultivated in greenhouse conditions were analyzed. Differences between the progeny of various morph types were manifested at different stages of life. The plants of both morph types developed at a similar rate and they entered key phenological phases at the same time except for the flowering stage. The average height of the studied plants was similar on the same days of the experiment. The study showed that plants from peripheral achenes realize the generative reproduction in other pattern than plants from central achenes. The plants from central achenes produce more capitula per plant at the beginning of the fruiting stage, whereas plants from peripheral seeds achieve the highest number of capitula per plant at later stages. Finally, on day 130 of the experiment, the number of capitula per plant of both morphs equalized. At the early fruiting stage, the number of achenes per capitulum of plants from the two morphs did not differ significantly. The number of achenes within one capitulum decreases with plant age in both populations, but the rate of that decline is greater in the progeny of peripheral seeds. The number of peripheral achenes per capitulum in plants from both achene types decreases at a comparable rate. In contrast, the number of central achenes is reduced at a faster rate in plants germinated from peripheral achenes. After day 83, the individuals from peripheral diaspores intensified their reproductive effort; they produced more capitula but with fewer number of achenes than in individuals from central diaspores. On day 130, the number of dispores per plant of the two morphs equalized. The changes of fecundity of peripheral and central progeny with the age of the plant (at different stages of the life cycle of a single plant) contribute to an intensive seed rain throughout the fruiting period. By producing a large number of less fertile capitula with a stable number of peripheral achenes, plants derived from peripheral achenes are able to supply a higher share of peripheral achenes than if they would produce fewer but more fertile capitula. This strategy increases the pool of peripheral achenes.     

Ecological correlates of achene mass variation in Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Asteraceae)

Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Asteraceae) is a complex polymorphic shrub species widely distributed in western North America. In a study of 86 populations belonging to 15 subspecies, achene mass varied among populations over a sevenfold range. Achene mass was closely correlated with capitulum size at the subspecies level, varied little between wild-growing and common-garden-grown members of a population, and was under strong genetic control. Subspecies with the heaviest achenes are restricted to specialized edaphic environments (dunes and badlands) or late seral montane riparian communities, while subspecies that are widely distributed and that occur in early seral habitats have less heavy achenes. Selection on achene mass has apparently been a notable feature of the adaptive radiation of Chrysothamnus nauseosus into the wide array of habitats it currently occupies. Within a wild population, achene mass was greater for plants fruiting in midautumn than for plants fruiting early or late in the autumn, and this same trend was observed within individual plants in garden populations, indicating environmental control, perhaps through resource limitation. Highly significant between-plant differences in achene mass were found in both wild and garden populations, suggesting that within-population genetic variation is sufficient to permit continuing selection.     

Ecology of achene dimorphism in Leontodon saxatilis

BACKGROUND [corrected] AND AIMS: Leontodon saxatilis produces two morphologically distinct achenes (morphs) in a single capitulum: one row of dark brown achenes without a pappus lies at the edge ('peripheral achenes'; 0.74 +/- 0.18 mg) while the inner ones are light brown with a pappus ('central achenes'; 0.38 +/- 0.07 mg). The hypothesis that achene heteromorphism in L. saxatilis widens its ecological amplitude was tested. KEY RESULTS: Achenes of both morphs germinated over the same range of temperatures (6-33 degrees C) but the central achenes showed significantly higher germination percentages, and the two also differed significantly in their annual dormancy cycle, with the peripheral achenes showing greater dormancy for part of the year. Seedlings from the two morphs did not differ significantly in total biomass after 2 and 4 weeks of growth, neither did they differ significantly in root and shoot weight and root:shoot ratio. Plants from both morphs growing at different regimes of soil moisture, nutrients and competition did not differ significantly in their number of achenes per capitulum. While the number of central achenes varied, that of peripheral achenes remained constant at approx. 13. Drier soil led to an increase in the number of central achenes in plants from both morphs. CONCLUSIONS: The peripheral achenes can replace the mother plant in the following growing season, whereas the central achenes are well adapted for wind dispersal and thus for colonization of new sites. However, the extent of variation in germination characteristics was similar to that found in seed populations of homomorphic plants, which suggests that germination percentage and other growth characteristics do not contribute to widening the ecological amplitude. The habitat of most heteromorphic species, the morphs of which differ greatly in germination and/or growth characteristic, are deserts or highly disturbed areas where such differences are highly advantageous, but in the moderate habitat of L. saxatilis the differences may prove a disadvantage.     

一年生短命植物疏齿千里光果实异形性的生态学意义

疏齿千里光(Senecio subdentatus)是分布在新疆北部古尔班通古特沙漠中的一种具异形瘦果的菊科一年生短命植物。将野外观测与室内实验相结合, 对该物种异形瘦果的形态、扩散和萌发特性, 以及异形瘦果产量与植株大小的关系进行了研究, 并对其生态学意义进行了探讨。结果表明: 疏齿千里光果序中的外围果和中央果均为柱形, 但前者为淡黄色, 后者为褐色, 且二者在大小、冠毛长度及果皮微形态等方面均存在明显差异。两种瘦果均以单个果实为扩散单元, 且在静止空气中的降落速度和在1 m·s^-1与2 m·s^-1风速下的扩散距离无显著差异, 说明虽然果实大小和冠毛长度对瘦果扩散具有不同的影响, 但对其整体扩散能力无明显影响。在各温变周期(5/2、15/2、20/10、25/15和30/15 ℃)处理中, 淡黄色外围果的萌发率均高于褐色中央果的, 且不同温度间两种瘦果的萌发率均存在显著差异, 但光照条件对其无显著影响。果序中的中央瘦果数明显多于外围果的, 且植株中外围果所占比例与植株大小间呈显著负相关关系, 而中央果所占比例与植株大小间呈显著正相关关系。这些特点说明, 该物种的小植株倾向于产生较多较易萌发的外围果, 大植株倾向于产生较多不易萌发的中央果。在古尔班通古特沙漠不可预测的极端环境中, 疏齿千里光可通过异形瘦果间的萌发差异及调节其不同大小植株中异形瘦果的比例, 来减少同胞后代之间的竞争, 增加其对不同微环境条件的生态适应性。     

Reproductive traits associated with invasiveness in Conyza sumatrensis

Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. Walker, a member of Asteraceae, is a highly invasive species. However, its reproduction biology remains poorly known. To understand the role of reproductive traits in successful invasion of the species, we studied several traits of its reproductive system: the miniature capitulum and gynomonoecious sexual system, the biology and phenology of capitula and florets, pollen/ovule ratio, the mating system (selfcompatibility), flower visitors, physical traits and dispersal potential of achenes, germination potential of achenes from manually pollinated capitula, and the association of these traits with invasiveness. Our study showed that the reproductive traits of autonomous seed production, versatile mating system of self- and cross-pollination, and generalized pollination system might contribute to the species' successful invasive capability. The invasiveness was further enhanced by the high and rapid production of achenes, as well as the high percentage, rapid germination rate and high dispersal capability of achenes. It was concluded that in annual or winter-annual weeds, autonomous seed production contributed significantly to the invasiveness of the species.     

白沙蒿种子萌发特性的研究 I. 粘液瘦果的结构和功能

白沙蒿(Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch.)是中国西北部沙漠的流动及固定沙丘上广泛分布的优势种灌木。瘦果小而轻,借助显微镜和扫描电镜对瘦果的形态结构进行了观察,其种子的种皮与果皮愈合,果皮外层为很厚的粘液层,其粘液层在遇湿后迅速吸水膨胀,其重量增至原来的589倍。在自然生境中,粘液物质将沙粒粘附于瘦果的周围,使瘦果的重量发生变化。瘦果能长时间在水上漂浮,粘液物质有助于种子的萌发和苗的发育。白沙蒿产生三种不同颜色的瘦果,其种子具有不同的萌发速率但最终达到相同的萌发率。研究表明瘦果的粘液物质对白沙蒿种子的传播与萌发具有重要的生态意义。     

Aerial seed bank dynamics and seedling emergence patterns in two annual Mediterranean Asteraceae

Question: We explored the functional significance of seasonal aerial seed banks in two coexisting, heterocarpic annual Asteraceae with dormant (Chrysanthemum coronarium) and non‐dormant (Anacyclus radiatus) achenes. We hypothesised that the plant achene pool is a significant component of total seed reserves, and that within‐season seedling emergence timing is shaped by achene release patterns. Location: SW Spain. Methods: In an observational study, we established temporal achene release patterns. We also quantified the aerial and soil achene pools throughout the release season, and assessed seedling emergence timing. Sowing experiments were used to explore the influence of achene release dynamics on emergence timing, and to establish achene morph‐specific patterns of between‐year distribution of germination. Results: Achene release extended from late spring to late autumn (Chrysanthemum), or from early autumn to early winter (Anacyclus). Within species, achene morphs differed in release timing. Only in Chrysanthemum, a small achene fraction seemed to persist in the soil, and between‐year germination distribution differed among morphs. In coexisting populations, the Anacyclus plant achene pool was an order of magnitude higher than the soil pool throughout the release season, whereas in Chrysanthemum both pools were of the same magnitude during autumn. Within‐year seedling emergence was significantly staggered beneath parent plants compared with the pattern resulting solely from the germination response in soil, with the exception of Chrysanthemum in one of the two study years. Conclusions: Results suggest that seasonal aerial seed banks are effective within‐season, risk‐reducing traits in ruderal Mediterranean habitats characteristic of the study species.     

Seed dormancy and hybridization effect of the invasive species,Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus is an invasive alien species naturalised in the central region of Argentina where it shares an extended area with the sunflower crop. As this species has also invaded several other sunflower crop growing areas in the world, it severely restricts the use of new technologies, for example herbicide tolerance by genetic modification. The natural seed dormancy of the wild Helianthus strains from the centre of origin in North America is well known, but the seed dormancy of the invasive biotypes is still unknown. Dormancy is a fitness trait related to the establishment, dispersion and persistence of invasive weeds. Four experiments were designed to investigate the effect of the pericarp, light, temperature, the after‐ripening period and hybridization with the DK3880CL sunflower crop (F1) on the seed dormancy of five invasive H. annuus biotypes. The results showed that pericarp scarification increased imbibition of the whole achene by 19%. Light stimulation only increased germination in the wild biotype without any effect on the domesticated sunflower. A period of 12 months after‐ripening at 5°C reduced seed dormancy in the wild biotype and its progeny; the optimal temperature for seed germination at this period was found to be 15°C. Mechanical scarification was the best treatment for overcoming seed dormancy with a differential germination, in the biotypes with the highest response, superior to 63%. Hybridization with domesticated sunflower had a minimal or no effect on seed dormancy but the germination rate was improved in three F1 crosses. Wild biotype dormancy appears to be governed by the maternal pericarp and intrinsic hormone regulation. An increased germination rate of some progenies could constitute an advantage during seedling establishment but only in winters without any frost.     

Role of mucilage during achene germination and sprout growth of the endangered Tibetan medicinal herb Mirabilis himalaica (Nyctaginaceae) exposed to abiotic stresses

Aim Mirabilis himalaica (Nyctaginaceae) is an endangered medicinal plant mainly distributed in the plateau region of northern Tibet, China. The outer surface of M. himalaica achenes is covered by a pectinaceous mucilaginous layer upon hydration. However, the role of the achene mucilage is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of mucilage on achene germination and sprout growth under abiotic stress to explain how M. himalaica survive the alpine environment.Methods We investigated the effect of mucilage on achenes germination by contrast the capacity of water absorption, dehydration and respiration of intact achene and the achene with mucilage removal. We performed abiotic stresses experiments including drought stress, salt stress, cold stress and high temperature stress, and quantified the effects of mucilage removal on achene germination rate, root and shoot lengths of seedlings.Important findings Mucilage is extremely hydrophilic, and the mass of intact achenes can be 9-fold greater than that of demucilaged achenes. The removal of the mucilaginous layer did not significantly change final germination percentages under ideal conditions, but intact achenes (i.e. with mucilage) took longer to germinate. The mucilage significantly decreased seed respiration rates by acting as a physical barrier that prevented oxygen diffusion. Germination rates, shoot and root growth of intact achenes were higher than those of demucilaged ones during exposures to cold, heat, osmotic and salt stresses. Achene mucilage presumably plays an ecologically important role in the life cycle of M. himalaica by aiding the critical achene germination and early seedling growth in the stressful habitats of the plateau region of northern Tibet.     

Inbreeding effects on fitness traits in the heterocarpic herb Leontodon autumnalis L. (Asteraceae)

Heterocarpic plants are characterized by the production of distinct types of fruits that usually differ in their ecological behavior. In the Asteraceae, differences are mainly found between peripheral non-dispersal and central dispersal achenes (single-seeded fruits). Inbreeding depression is considered as an evolutionary force as it may reduce several fitness traits, and in the case of heterocarpic plants, it could influence fitness traits (e.g., seed set, germination rate, growth rate) of each fruit morph, which may have important ecological and evolutionary consequences. In particular, differential effects on fitness traits and dispersal of selfed and outcrossed progeny can strongly determine the viability of extant populations and the potential to colonize new habitats. We conducted a hand-pollination experiment in greenhouse conditions to test whether inbreeding affects the fitness of achene morphs in the heterocarpic herb Leontodon autumnalis (Asteraceae). Results show that achene morphs significantly differ in their ecological behavior, peripheral achenes germinating more and faster than central achenes. The significant interaction between pollination treatment and achene morph for germination probability might indicate a link between dormancy and mating system in L. autumnalis: germination was higher for outcrossed achenes in central achenes whereas the opposite pattern was exhibited by peripheral achenes. Selfing dramatically reduced seed set, probably as a consequence of strong self-incompatibility mechanisms rather than inbreeding effects. Inbreeding depression significantly affected late life-cycle traits, such as growth rate and biomass at flowering. Overall, results suggest that inbreeding depression seems to be an important selective force maintaining outcrossing in L. autumnalis.     

The effect of galls induced by the gall fly Procecidochares utilis on vegetative growth and reproductive potential of crofton weed, Ageratina adenophora

Reproductive potential and vegetative growth of Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) K. & R. (crofton weed) were measured under ambient conditions to evaluate the efficacy of the gall fly, Procecidochares utilis Stone as a biocontrol agent for this weed. Galls induced by the fly resulted in the production of underdeveloped capitula and a reduction in the number of capitula and filled achenes per capitulum. Galling had no effect on subsequent germination of the seed produced. Where vegetative growth was concerned the effect of galling ranged from a temporary cessation of growth to death of stems above the gall. Although galling promoted production of side shoots, the dry mass of above-ground material was markedly reduced.     

Germination requirements and dispersal timing in two heterocarpic weedy asteraceae

In SW Spain the winter annuals Anacyclus radiatus and Chrysanthemum coronarium (Asteraceae) are found as weeds in diverse crops. Both plant species are heterocarpic, i.e. the peripheral and central achenes of the capitulum are morphologically distinctive. In heterocarpic and heterospermic species the different fruit or seed morphs usually have differential ecological behaviour. In this work we have studied the morphometry, germination and dispersal timing of t he different achene morphs in A. radiatus and C. coronarium. Laboratory germination tests were carried out to evaluate the influence of incubation temperature (light/dark, 27/27, 24/18, 20/10, 15/5, 10/4 degrees C), chilling period (0, 1, 7, 21 and 60 days at 2 degrees C), GA3, nitrate and the dark on the germination percentage and rate (t50). The peripheral achenes of A. radiatus have a significantly broader wing than the central achenes. In this species, germination was inhibited in the dark but viable achenes of both types germinated completely under light exposure irrespective of test conditions. Nevertheless, the peripheral achenes germinated significantly faster compared to the central achenes (t5o 1.04 vs. 1.55 days at 24/18 degrees C). In C. coronarium peripheral achenes have three-winged ribs and are significantly longer, wider and thicker than the central achenes, which have only one- or two-winged ribs. In this species the peripheral achenes showed a much lower germination compared to the central achenes under all conditions tested (0.3-3.5% vs. 41.5-58.0%). Embryos isolated from the pericarp of peripheral achenes germinated quickly in a great extent, and when placed in close contact with a pericarp fragment they did not show any inhibition of germination, suggesting physical dormancy. To determine differences in dispersal timing between achene morphs, we monitored dispersal in a stand of both plant species. In A. radiatus the peripheral achenes were shed first, at the onset of the rainy season in late summer, whereas the central achenes dispersed from late summer to early winter. In contrast, in C. coronarium the central achenes were shed first, from early summer to early autumn, whereas the peripheral achenes dispersed mainly in early autumn. Thus, in both weed species the more dispersible and readier-to-germinate achene morph is dispersed first. The differences in the germination and dispersal behaviour between achene morphs represent an opportunistic, mixed strategy which is favourable under environmental uncertainty, and should be accounted for in order to understand the population dynamics of both weed species.