新疆短命植物小拟南芥耐盐性的初步研究

利用种子萌发及石蜡切片等方法对新疆短命植物小拟南芥(Arabidopsis pumila)在盐胁迫下种子的萌发率及植株生长发育的变化进行了研究,结果显示:(1)盐胁迫对小拟南芥种子萌发具有抑制作用,当去除盐分后,部分种子能够重新萌发.(2)盐分影响幼苗的形态及内部结构,低盐(50 mmol/L)时,幼苗基生叶较大且数量增加;叶中栅栏组织细胞大,排列舒展;根中导管数量明显增多,植株生长健壮而旺盛;而较高盐(150 mmol/L)时,叶片变小增厚,色深绿,底部叶变黄白色,叶中栅栏组织细胞窄小,排列紧密;根中导管数急剧下降,植株生长受到明显抑制.(3)盐胁迫对成株期植株的高度、花序轴长、角果数等性状都有显著影响,但在NaCl浓度达500 mmol/L时,植株仍然存活且有一定的结实率,显示此时的耐盐性比萌发期和幼苗期有显著提高.研究表明,小拟南芥从幼苗至成株期耐盐性逐渐增强,该特征与其对自然生存环境的适应相关.     

沙枣和柠条种子萌发期耐盐性研究

采用室内控制实验的方法,系统研究了沙枣和柠条种子萌发、生长、活力以及生理过程;对萌发、生长及活力指标与盐胁迫进行相关与回归分析,发现了实验室条件下沙枣和柠条种子萌发期的耐盐临界值;对生理指标与盐胁迫,生理指标与相应的萌发及生长指标进行相关性分析,在生理水平对沙枣和柠条种子萌发期对盐胁迫的响应进行了解释。主要结果包括：(1)胚根相对干重含水量与盐胁迫无相关性,初始萌发时间、休眠率以及死亡率与盐胁迫呈显著正相关,其它指标均与盐胁迫呈显著负相关;(2)胚根相对干重含水量与萌发种子初期生长无相关性,休眠率、死亡率与萌发率呈显著负相关,其它指标均与初期生长呈显著正相关;(3)受盐胁迫的抑制程度：萌发速度>萌发启动>萌发率;胚根生长>胚轴生长>萌发率;(4)种子萌发期,沙枣耐盐性强于柠条,两者耐盐临界值均高于0.1 mol·L^-1。     

盐分和水分胁迫对两种盐生植物盐爪爪和盐穗木种子萌发的影响

采用不同浓度NaCl和等渗PEG(分子量为6000)处理2种盐生植物种子(盐爪爪Kalidiumfoliatum、盐穗木Halostachys caspica)。结果表明,(1)NaCl和等渗PEG对种子的萌发均产生抑制作用,且PEG的抑制程度大于等渗NaCl,说明渗透胁迫是影响盐生植物种子萌发的主要因素;(2)盐胁迫和水分胁迫对盐生植物种子的萌发具有明显的抑制作用,降低了种子的萌发率,推迟了种子的初始萌发时间、延长了种子的萌发时间;(3)根据2种盐生植物种子萌发耐盐性比较,两种盐生植物均具有较强的耐盐性,在0~300 mmol.L-1NaCl盐溶液范围内,盐穗木种子相对萌发率达到95%以上,盐爪爪达到80%以上,说明盐穗木比盐爪爪具有更强的耐盐性。盐穗木种子耐盐适宜值为332.5 mmol.L-1,临界值为540 mmo.lL-1,极限值为749 mmo.lL-1;盐爪爪种子耐盐适宜值为246.5 mmol.L-1,临界值为391.8 mmo.lL-1,极限值为537 mmol.L-1;(4)低浓度的NaCl溶液对种子萌发的幼苗生长起着促进作用。在100 mmo.lL-1NaCl处理时,两种盐生植物幼苗的胚...     

盐生植物角果碱蓬种子二型性对环境的适应策略

角果碱蓬(Suaeda corniculata)是藜科一年生盐生植物, 在我国分布于北方盐碱滩涂和盐碱荒漠地区。角果碱蓬具有棕色和黑色两种异型体种子(简称棕色和黑色种子)。对采自内蒙古鄂托克前旗盐渍化生境的角果碱蓬二型种子的形态、休眠和萌发特性开展对比研究, 测定了二型种子休眠和萌发行为对温度、光照和盐分(NaCl)的响应, 以揭示盐生植物异型种子对温带盐漠生境的适应对策。结果表明: (1)二型性种子在大小、种皮特性和结实比例方面有显著差异。与黑色种子相比, 棕色种子个体较大, 种皮透水性强。黑色种子与棕色种子的结实比例约为5.6 : 1。(2)新成熟的棕色种子的萌发对各温度梯度和光照条件不敏感, 萌发率较高(84%-100%); 而新成熟的黑色种子萌发率较低(8%-78%), 萌发对光照敏感。(3)黑色种子具有浅度生理休眠, 种皮划破、赤霉素处理和低温层积均可有效地提高种子的萌发率。(4)二型种子萌发对土壤盐分的胁迫具有不同的响应。与黑色种子相比, 棕色种子对盐分胁迫不敏感, 在较高的盐分浓度下仍有较高的萌发率, 低温层积处理能够降低黑色种子对盐胁迫的敏感性, 有效地提高种子的初始萌发率、萌发恢复率和最终萌发率。角果碱蓬二型种子不同的形态、休眠和萌发特性, 提高了该物种在高度异质性生境中的适合度, 对种群成功地适应温带盐漠环境具有重要的意义。     

转ZjAPX基因拟南芥对NaCl、干旱胁迫的耐性研究

旨在探讨枣树抗坏血酸过氧化物酶基因ZjAPX在植物渗透胁迫中的作用。将ZjAPX基因转入到模式植物拟南芥,以野生型(WT)、转ZjAPX拟南芥株系T2为试材,进行不同浓度NaCl胁迫和干旱胁迫。结果表明,转基因株系的种子萌发、植株生长均优于野生型株系;荧光定量PCR检测转基因拟南芥植株在干旱和盐胁迫处理10 d后目的基因ZjAPX的表达量显著高于野生拟南芥,表明ZjAPX的高表达明显提高了植株的抗旱和耐盐性。     

小车前（Plantago minuta Pall.）种子表面粘液物质的吸水特性及其对种子在干旱环境中萌发的影响

为了理解荒漠短命植物小车前(Plantago minuta Pall.)种子表面的粘液物质对种子在干旱环境中萌发的作用,在室内控制条件下研究了粘液物质的吸水保水特性、剥离粘液物质的种子(无粘液种子)和保留粘液物质的种子(粘液种子)在-1.15～-0.15 MPa不同渗透胁迫条件下的萌发状况.结果表明: (1)小车前种子表面的粘液物质干重占粘液种子干重的5.6%;在去离子水中,粘液物质可以吸收相当于其自身干重217.1倍的水分;粘液物质的存在使得小车前种子的吸水倍数由2倍增加至14倍,从而保证为种子萌发提供充足的水分;(2)干燥的粘液种子吸水2h后即达到饱和,而吸水饱和后的粘液种子在室温下晾置,经过48h后又干燥失水恢复至原重;(3)在去离子水中或低渗透胁迫(-0.33～-0.15 MPa) 条件下,粘液物质吸水作用能促进小车前种子萌发,粘液种子3d的发芽势和10d的总萌发率均显著高于无粘液种子;在高渗透胁迫(-1.15～-0.73MPa)条件下,粘液种子3d的发芽势显著低于无粘液种子的,而10d的总萌发率与无粘液种子的没有显著差别,表明粘液物质在干旱条件下可能从种子而非外界环境中吸取水分,减缓了种子萌发速率.通过上述结果可以认为小车前种子表面的粘液物质在早春干湿交替剧烈的荒漠生境中起到通过调节水分来调节种子萌发的作用,这种萌发策略大大降低了因大批种子同时萌发导致幼苗受旱甚至种群灭亡的潜在风险.     

水盐胁迫对阿尔泰狗娃花种子萌发的影响

选取新疆野生花卉阿尔泰狗娃花为研究对象,对其在水盐胁迫下种子萌发过程进行研究,旨在探明其种子萌发期的耐盐耐旱特性。结果表明:(1)阿尔泰狗娃花具有两种类型的种子,两类种子在大小、质量及种子活力上存在差异;(2)随盐胁迫浓度的提高,种子萌发率持续下降,萌发速率降低,萌发时间延长;(3)在干旱胁迫中,-0.5~-0.9 MPa渗透势的PEG对种子萌发具有引发作用,而高渗透势的PEG对种子萌发具有抑制作用;(4)NaCl溶液对种子萌发的抑制程度显著大于等渗PEG溶液,种子萌发期的抗旱能力较强,对盐分胁迫较为敏感。     

环境因子对木棉种子萌发的影响

木棉(Bombax malabaricum DC.)是一种可以生长在干热河谷的落叶大乔木.河谷内,木棉成年树木生长良好,有大量结实,而其周围却很少有种苗出现.通过室内条件研究木棉种子的物理特性和萌发的生物学特性,可以了解该物种种子萌发对环境因子的需求,为探讨木棉在干热河谷内自然种群更新难和萌发阶段对这一特殊生境的适应性提供理论依据.经测定,木棉种子千粒重为39.08 g,比同科的其它物种要轻.四唑(TTC,1.O％)染色测定种子生活力的结果表明有生活力种子占64.0％.种皮对吸胀无障碍,种子在25℃吸胀2d时就开始萌发.检测了环境因子对种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响,结果表明,种子萌发对光照不敏感而且对温度有较广的适应性,15-35℃都可以萌发,25-35℃萌发率无显著差异,但随温度升高,萌发速率加快,幼苗长势增加;萌发过程对渗透胁迫敏感,聚乙二醇(PEG)浓度为0.10 g/mL时萌发率较对照显著下降,0.15 g/mL时种子就不能萌发;室温吸胀24h的种子对热激敏感,42℃热激2h后萌发率就已经显著下降;室湿下水杨酸(SA,1,10,100 mg/L)浸种24h,没有提高种子在萌发期间对干旱和热激的抗性.可见,高温和干旱是限制木棉种子成功萌发的关键因子,然而发现,温度较高时水分过大也会造成萌发后幼苗的死亡.     

温度和水分及盐分胁迫对银沙槐种子萌发的影响

利用控制实验研究了温度、湿度、干旱和盐分胁迫等生态因子对银沙槐种子萌发的影响,以探索银沙槐种子对各种生态因子的适应性。结果显示:(1)银沙槐种子在20℃、25℃恒温和15℃/25℃、20℃/30℃、10℃/20℃变温环境中的发芽率较高且无显著差异,其在20℃恒温、15℃/25℃、20℃/30℃变温条件下的发芽指数较高,但差异不显著。(2)土壤含水量在1%～5%之间,各水分处理间种子发芽率差异显著(P<0.05),而在5%～25%间种子发芽率变化不显著。(3)盐胁迫和水分胁迫对银沙槐种子的萌发均有明显的抑制作用,可显著降低种子萌发率(P<0.05);种子发芽指数和活力指数均随渗透势和NaCl浓度增大而显著减小(P<0.05);恢复萌发率随渗透势和NaCl浓度的增加而显著增加(P<0.05)。研究发现,银沙槐种子萌发最适温度为20℃恒温和15℃/25℃变温,最适土壤含水量为10%～25%;种子萌发对盐分和干旱胁迫表现出不同程度的耐受性,萌发过程中主导抑制因素为渗透胁迫,离子毒害作用甚微;银沙槐种子休眠机制和萌发特征表现出它对生境的良好适应性。     

小拟南芥ApZFP基因异源超表达促进拟南芥开花并提高耐逆性

锌指蛋白(ZFP)是一类重要的转录因子, 广泛参与植物的生长发育和非生物胁迫应答。新疆小拟南芥(Arabidopsispumila)又名无苞芥, 是十字花科短命植物, 具有高光效、繁殖力强和适应干旱等生物学特征, 而且比模式植物拟南芥(A.thaliana)更耐高盐胁迫。将前期克隆的小拟南芥锌指蛋白基因ApZFP通过花滴法转化到哥伦比亚生态型拟南芥(Col-0)中,获得了独立表达的转基因株系。表型观察发现, 过量表达ApZFP基因可促使拟南芥在长短日照下均提前开花。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示, 转基因拟南芥株系中, 光周期途径中的CO基因和年龄途径中的SPL基因表达上调; 春化、环境温度和自主途径中的FLC基因表达下调; 编码成花素的基因FT及下游开花相关基因AP1和LFY的表达量均升高。进一步通过盐、干旱和ABA胁迫处理ApZFP转基因株系的种子和幼苗, 发现在胁迫处理下, 与对照相比, 转基因拟南芥种子萌发率较高, 幼苗主根较长。因此推测, ApZFP在植物发育过程中具有多种功能, 可能既参与植物的开花转变过程, 又同其它植物的锌指蛋白基因一样, 参与植物的耐逆过程。     

The relationship between seed dormancy,seed size and weediness,in Crepis tectorum (Asteraceae)

Summary I examined the germination characteristics of weed and outcrop populations of Crepis tectorum to test the hypothesis that the presumably more ephemeral weed habitat favors the highest levels of seed dormancy. The winter annual habit characterizing most plants of this species was reflected in a rapid germination of seeds sown in late summer. A slightly higher fraction of surface-sown seeds of weed plants delayed germination. Buried seeds of weed plants also survived better than seeds produced by plants in most outcrop populations, supporting the idea that weediness favors seed dormancy and a persistent seed bank. However, the differences in seed dormancy between the two ecotypes were small and not entirely consistent. Furthermore, high levels of seed dormancy were induced during burial in the outcrop group, suggesting that there is a potential for a dormant seed population in this habitat as well. Demographic data from one of the outcrop populations verified the presence of a large between-year seed bank. Possible environmental factors favoring seed dormancy in outcrop populations are discussed. The unusually large seeds of weedy Crepis contrasts with the relatively small difference in seed dormancy between the two ecotypes.     

Influence of nutrient availability and tree wildling density on nutrient uptake by Oxalis acetosella and Acer saccharum

The different weight-number strategies of seed production displayed by individuals of a Mediterranean fire-prone plant species (Cistus ladanifer) were investigated in relation to seed germination responses to pre-germination heating. A control (no heating), a high temperature during a short exposure time (100 degrees C during 5 min) and a high temperature during a long exposure time (100 degrees C during 15 min) were applied to seeds from different individual plants with different mean seed weight. These pre-germination treatments resemble natural germination scenarios for the studied species, absence of fire, typical Mediterranean shrub fire, and severe fire with high fuel load. Seed germination was related to heat treatments and seed mass. Seed heating increased the proportion of seeds germinating compared with the control treatment. Mean seed weight was positively correlated to the proportion of germinated seeds but only within heat treatments. These results suggest that in periods without fire, the relative contributions to the population dynamics are equal for all seeds, regardless of their mass, whereas heavier seeds would be the main contribution after wildfire events. Since lighter seeds can be produced in higher quantities than heavier ones within a given fruit, the number of seedlings produced per fruit depended strongly on the germination conditions. In the absence of wildfire, fruits producing lighter seeds gave rise to more seedlings; nevertheless, they were numerically exceeded by those producing heavy seeds after a wildfire. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to their consequences on the population dynamics of this species, considering also additional information on stand flammability and changes in seed mass with plant age.     

Seed size and seed germination in the Mediterranean fire-prone shrub <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cistus </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">ladanifer</Emphasis>

The germination response of different sized seeds from individuals of a Mediterranean fire-prone shrub (Cistus ladanifer) was investigated in relation to pre-germination heating. A control (no heating), a low temperature during a short exposure time (50°C during 5 min), a high temperature during a short exposure time (100°C during 5 min) and a high temperature during a long exposure time (100°C during 15 min) were applied to seeds from different individual plants with different mean seed weight. These pre-germination treatments resemble natural germination scenarios for the studied species, absence of fire, low intensity pasture fire, typical Mediterranean shrub fire, and severe fire with high fuel load. Mean seed weight only showed a marginally significant positive correlation with the proportion of germinated seeds whatever the pre-germination treatment. These results suggest that seed dormancy is unrelated to seed size and that under the experimental conditions used in this study, the effect of seed size on seed germination is low. Nevertheless, larger seeds could be favoured in natural conditions, especially under the high competition scenario which arise after wildfires. Control seeds showed a negative correlation between seed size and germination velocity suggesting that lighter seeds could take advantage from early germination in recruitment events in the absence of wildfires. Nevertheless, even the lower pre-germination heating treatment turns this correlation in not significant, suggesting a strong selection pressure (unrelated to seed size) for early germination after fire events. In our study, different sized seeds of C. ladanifer seem to perform better under different germination scenarios suggesting that seed size variation could be maintained by the alternation of recruitments without wildfires and recruitments after wildfire events.     

不同种源及基质对水青树种子萌发及幼苗初期生长的影响

通过对4个不同种源地的水青树种子进行形态与生理特征的研究,探讨了不同种源、基质及温度对水青树种子萌发和幼苗初期生长的影响,以了解该物种种群自然更新困难的原因。结果表明:(1)不同种源的种子,其千粒重、饱满度及形态学方面存在显著差异。(2)不同种源的种子的萌发率分别为:74.67%(雷波)、41%(马边)、67%(九寨沟)、0%(美姑),对应的发芽势分别为38.33%、10%、27.33%、0(P<0.01);(3)在不同的萌发基质中,腐殖土中的萌发率、萌发势及幼苗的长势均优于生境土和沙土,而沙土中种子的萌发与幼苗的生长最差,因此水青树生境地的土壤不是其自然更新的限制因素;(4)常温下不同基质中,水青树种子的萌发率均高于恒温条件,表明适宜的变温处理有利于种子萌发及幼苗存活;(5)综合分析可知,雷波的水青树种子品质较好,马边的则较差。     

Effect of phylogeny, life history and habitat correlates on seed germination of 69 arid and semi-arid zone species from northwest China

We tested the effects of phylogeny, life history and habitat conditions for seedling establishment on seed germination of 69 arid/semi-arid zone species from northwest China. Final germination percentages had a bimodal distribution, whereas, days to first germination were skewed toward short periods. Stepwise multi-way ANOVAs showed that the amount of variance in final germination percentage among species for seeds incubated in light was explained by phylogeny (13.6%), dispersal mode (11.9%), seed mass (3.6%), and habitat (0.2%); in darkness by dispersal mode (17.5%), phylogeny (12.7%), seed mass (5.7%), and habitat (0%). A series of ANOVAs revealed that the variance in final germination percentages among species is largely dependent upon phylogeny and dispersal mode but that it is also influenced by seed mass and habitat. The effects of dispersal mode and seed mass on final germination percentage among species were phylogenetic group- and habitat-specific. Wind-dispersed seeds had higher germination percentages than unassisted and vertebrate-dispersed seeds. Compared to xerophytes, mesophytes tended to have smaller seed mass, higher mean germination percentages and a greater effect of seed mass on final germination fractions. Our results suggest that phylogeny and life history should be taken into account in studies on the role of natural selection in regulation of seed germination.     

Improving success of rare plant seed reintroductions: a case study of Dalea carthagenensis var. floridana,a rare legume with dormant seeds

Recent reviews of rare plant reintroduction success indicate that far fewer studies have been conducted with seeds than whole plants, and of these, less than 10% have established or had long‐term population persistence reported. Because seed reintroductions are relatively less expensive than plant reintroductions, determining ways to increase efficacy of using seeds to establish rare populations has conservation benefits. In laboratory trials, we examined seed germination of an endangered legume, Dalea carthagenensis var. floridana, endemic in South Florida, U.S.A. Laboratory treatments confirmed that seeds are hard seeded, remaining viable for 1,452 days even when moist; nicking, heat, and freezing triggered higher and more rapid germination than controls. Field trials begun in 2009, using pretreated (frozen) and untreated seeds within two habitats (natural and novel) revealed that freezing pretreatment increased germination in both habitats. However, plants matured, reproduced, and established seedlings only in natural habitat, not in novel habitat. By 2012, seed treatment plots in natural pine rockland had significantly greater numbers of reproductive plants and seedlings than controls. In a restoration context, using seed pretreatments to stimulate germination can improve establishment success in suitable habitats. When paired with essential vegetation management and a controlled burn, seed augmentation helped rescue the population from the brink of extinction.     

青藏高原东缘61种常见木本植物种子萌发特性及其与生活史的关联

为了评价亚高山地带木本植物种子萌发对策及其与生活史关联, 该文对青藏高原东缘61种常见木本植物的种子萌发特征以及种子萌发与种子大小、扩散方式、海拔及生境的关系进行了调查分析。结果表明: 1) 61种植物的种子萌发率呈现偏斜、双峰分布。6种植物(9.8%)的种子萌发率大于80%, 13种(21.3%)的萌发率在60%~80%之间, 9种(14.8%)的萌发率在40%~60%之间, 8种(13.1%)的萌发率在20%~40%之间, 25种(41%)的萌发率小于20%, 其中8种植物的种子萌发率为零, 显示了该生境中木本植物的种子以休眠、低萌发率或连续稳定的萌发对策占优势, 以避免不利的环境因素。2)种子扩散方式是决定61种木本植物种间萌发率变异(R² = 24.1%, p < 0.001) 和萌发开始时间变异(R ²= 21.3%, p < 0.01) 的主要因素; 种子大小、母体植株的海拔和生境对种子萌发率和萌发开始时间几乎没有影响(p > 0.05); 风扩散的种子比脊椎动物扩散和无助扩散的种子有更高的萌发率(F = 9.219, p < 0.001) 和较早的萌发开始时间(F = 6.772, p < 0.01)。说明植物生活史特征如种子萌发与扩散方式之间存在固有而紧密的联系, 扩散能力强的种子(如风扩散)由于能散布到较远而空旷的生境, 可能避免了各种有害因素或个体竞争, 因而种子以较强的萌发能力进行拓殖; 扩散能力弱的种子(如无助扩散)由于其散布距离较近, 种子以休眠或降低萌发的方式来避免个体或同胞竞争以及各种有害因素, 以获得最大的生态利益并确保物种延续。     

Habitat‐related seed germination traits in alpine habitats

Understanding the key aspects of plant regeneration from seeds is crucial in assessing species assembly to their habitats. However, the regenerative traits of seed dormancy and germination are underrepresented in this context. In the alpine zone, the large species and microhabitat diversity provide an ideal context to assess habitat‐related regenerative strategies. To this end, seeds of 53 species growing in alpine siliceous and calcareous habitats (6230 and 6170 of EU Directive 92/43, respectively) were exposed to different temperature treatments under controlled laboratory conditions. Germination strategies in each habitat were identified by clustering with k‐means. Then, phylogenetic least squares correlations (PGLS) were fitted to assess germination and dormancy differences between species’ main habitat (calcareous and siliceous), microhabitat (grasslands, heaths, rocky, and species with no specific microhabitats), and chorology (arctic–alpine and continental). Calcareous and siliceous grasslands significantly differ in their germination behaviour with a slow, mostly overwinter germination and high germination under all conditions, respectively. Species with high overwinter germination occurs mostly in heaths and have an arctic–alpine distribution. Meanwhile, species with low or high germinability in general inhabit in grasslands or have no specific microhabitat (they belong to generalist), respectively. Alpine species use different germination strategies depending on habitat provenance, species’ main microhabitat, and chorotype. Such differences may reflect adaptations to local environmental conditions and highlight the functional role of germination and dormancy in community ecology.     

Influencing factors on early vegetation restoration in burned area of Pinus pumila – Larch forest

Pinus pumila (Dall.) Regel, a rare conifer and key species in high latitude and high altitude mountains, has an important role in soil and water conservation. This evergreen shrub grows 3–6 m high in P. pumila – larch (Larix gmelini) open forest at altitudes of 800–1200 m in the Greater Kingan Mountain Range (Daxing’an Mountain). Forest fires are major natural hazards to P. pumila – larch forest. The unique ecological role of this community gives important theoretical and practical significance to research on P. pumila – larch forest restoration after fires. Literature concerning factors influencing early vegetation restoration in burned areas in this habitat is sparse. We studied these factors, especially those related to P. pumila seedling establishment. The results showed fires in P. pumila – larch forest usually resulted in severe burns. Typically almost no P. pumila survived after fires. Nearly all ground fuels were consumed. Second growth after fires exhibited low species richness. The dominant tree/shrub seedlings found after fires were birch (Betula platyphylla) and larch, with small number of P. pumila. Other shrub seedlings found were Ledum palustre, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Betula fruticosa, and Rubus arcticus. The main herb species found were Deyeuxia langsdorffii, and Chamaenerion angustifolium. Important factors influencing early vegetation restoration after fires included seed dispersal, fire size, and site condition. Seed dispersal in birch and larch is higher than in P. pumila; more seedlings of birch and larch were found in burned areas than seedlings of P. pumila. Most seeds germinated in the first year following a fire. The extent of the burned area influences seedling distribution patterns, especially in species with limited seed dispersal ability. Birch and larch seedlings were evenly distributed in the entire burned area, while seedlings of P. pumila were found only at the fire edge. No P. pumila seedlings were found more than 50 m away from seed source trees. Site condition significantly influenced seed germination and growth in birch and larch; these seedlings only grew well in burned areas with good site conditions (shallow slopes, thick soils, etc.). They did not grow well in burned areas with poor site conditions (steep slopes, thin soils, etc.). However, P. pumila seedlings could grow well in burned areas with either good or poor site conditions. The strong vitality of P. pumila seedlings gives this species an enormous ecological advantage in soil conservation and environmental restoration and conservation. We conclude that the main factor influencing seedling establishment in P. pumila is its weak seed dispersal ability. Although the P. pumila seeds can germinate in all burned areas, natural regeneration rarely restores burned areas to the original P. pumila – larch forest. Planting seeds and/or seedlings may facilitate burned area restoration to P. pumila – larch forest. Because P. pumila seedlings grow very slowly, the restoration process may take decades.     

Can seeds predict their future? Germination strategies of density‐regulated desert annuals

Annual plants in unpredictable environments maintain dormant seeds to avoid extinction. Here, we present results for four desert annual species suggesting that germination rates are variable even in the absence of abiotic cues. Namely, seeds produced in a copious year had lower germination rates than seeds produced in drought years. Inspired by our data, we have extended previous bet-hedging models by including a structured seed bank. With density-dependence, the ESS (environmental stable strategy) involved a negative relationship between seed yield and subsequent germination probability. We suggest that heterogeneous germination rates are selected for by competition among seedlings after years with high seed production. In summary, our findings are suggestive of an intriguingly simple and effective mechanism that may allow annual plants to partly predict their future success.