Seed longevity and fire: germination responses of an exotic perennial herb in NW Patagonian grasslands (Argentina)

Fire affects grassland composition by selectively influencing recruitment. Some exotic species can increase their abundance as a consequence of fire-stimulated seed germination, but response may depend on seed age. Rumex acetosella L. (Polygonaceae, sheep's sorrel) is a cosmopolitan herb that has invaded NW Patagonia's grasslands. This species forms persistent soil seed banks and increases after disturbances, particularly fire. We studied how fire and seed longevity influence R. acetosella germination. In 2008, we conducted laboratory experiments where we exposed different-aged seeds (up to 19 years old) to heat, smoke, charcoal, ash and control treatments. Total percentage germination and mean germination time depended on both seed age and fire treatment. Germination of younger seeds decreased with increasing temperature. There was no general pattern in germination responses of different-aged seeds to smoke, charcoal and ash. While smoke improved the germination of fresh seeds, charcoal decreased germination. Germination of untreated seeds was negatively correlated with seed age, and mean germination time increased with seed age. In most treatments, fresh seeds had lower germination than 1-5-year-old seeds, indicating an after-ripening requirement. Smoke stimulates R. acetosella germination, causing successful recruitment during post-fire conditions. Fresh seeds are particularly responsive to fire factors, possibly because they have not experienced physical degradation and are more receptive to environmental stimuli. Knowing the colonisation potential from the soil seed bank of this species during post-fire conditions will allow us to predict their impact on native communities.     

Seed predators exert selection on the subindividual variation of seed size

Subindividual variation among repeated organs in plants constitutes an overlooked level of variation in phenotypic selection studies, despite being a major component of phenotypic variation. Animals that interact with plants could be selective agents on subindividual variation. This study examines selective pressures exerted during post‐dispersal seed predation and germination on the subindividual variation of seed size in hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). With a seed offering experiment and a germination test, we estimated phenotypic selection differentials for average and subindividual variation of seed size due to seed predation and germination. Seed size affects germination, growth rate and the probability of an individual seed of escaping predation. Longer seeds showed higher germination rates, but this did not result in significant selection on phenotypes of the maternal trees. On the other hand, seed predators avoided wider seeds, and by doing so exerted phenotypic selection on adult average and subindividual variation of seed size. The detected selection on subindividual variation suggests that the levels of phenotypic variation within individual plants may be, at least partly, the adaptive consequence of animal‐mediated selection.     

Rainfall seasonality predicts the germination behavior of a tropical dry‐forest vine

Seed dormancy is considered to be an adaptive strategy in seasonal and/or unpredictable environments because it prevents germination during climatically favorable periods that are too short for seedling establishment. Tropical dry forests are seasonal environments where seed dormancy may play an important role in plant resilience and resistance to changing precipitation patterns. We studied the germination behavior of seeds from six populations of the Neotropical vine Dalechampia scandens (Euphorbiaceae) originating from environments of contrasting rainfall seasonality. Seeds produced by second greenhouse‐generation plants were measured and exposed to a favorable wet environment at different time intervals after capsule dehiscence and seed dispersal. We recorded the success and the timing of germination. All populations produced at least some dormant seeds, but seeds of populations originating from more seasonal environments required longer periods of after‐ripening before germinating. Within populations, larger seeds tended to require longer after‐ripening periods than did smaller seeds. These results indicate among‐population genetic differences in germination behavior and suggest that these populations are adapted to local environmental conditions. They also suggest that seed size may influence germination timing within populations. Ongoing changes in seasonality patterns in tropical dry forests may impose strong selection on these traits.     

The evolutionary ecology of seed germination of Arabidopsis thaliana: variable natural selection on germination timing

Germination timing of Arabidopsis thaliana displays strong plasticity to geographic location and seasonal conditions experienced by seeds. We identified which plastic responses were adaptive using recombinant inbred lines in a field manipulation of geographic location (Kentucky, KY; Rhode Island, RI), maternal photoperiod (14-h and 10-h days), and season of dispersal (June and November). Transgressive segregation created novel genotypes that had either higher fitness or lower fitness in certain environments than either parent. Natural selection on germination timing and its variation explained 72% of the variance in fitness among genotypes in KY, 30% in June-dispersed seeds in RI, but only 4% in November-dispersed seeds in RI. Therefore, natural selection on germination timing is an extremely efficient sieve that can determine which genotypes can persist in some locations, and its efficiency is geographically variable and depends on other aspects of life history. We found no evidence for adaptive responses to maternal photoperiod during seed maturation. We did find adaptive plasticity to season of seed dispersal in RI. Seeds dispersed in June postponed germination, which was adaptive, while seeds dispersed in November accelerated germination, which was also adaptive. We also found maladaptive plasticity to geographic location for seeds dispersed in June, such that seeds dispersed in KY germinated much sooner than the optimum time. Consequently, bet hedging in germination timing was favorable in KY; genotypes with more variation in germination timing had higher fitness because greater variation was associated with postponed germination. Selection on germination timing varied across geographic location, indicating that germination timing can be a critical stage in the establishment of genotypes in new locations. The rate of evolution of germination timing may therefore strongly influence the rate at which species can expand their range.     

萌发前处理和种子大小对瓜拉那(Paullinia cupana var.sorbilis)种子萌发的影响

为了增加对瓜拉那(Paullinia cupana var.sorbilis)种子萌发特性的了解,寻求提高瓜拉那种子萌发的最佳条件,本研究用控制实验,研究了瓜拉那种子去/不去假种皮、不同种子大小和酸处理下的萌发行为.结果表明,去假种皮且酸处理的大种子发芽率最高,为100%;不去假种皮且无酸处理的小种子基本不萌发;去假种皮种子发芽率显著高于未去假种皮种子;种子大小对萌发率有显著影响,大种子比小种子趋于有更高的萌发率;酸处理能进一步提高去假种皮种子萌发率.     

Does seed ingestion by bats enhance germination? A new meta‐analysis 15 years later

相似文献   

Intra-inflorescence variation in floral traits and reproductive success of the hermaphrodite Silene acutifolia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intraspecific variation in floral components and reproductive success is often located at the intra-individual level. The arrangement of flowers within inflorescences may explain a great deal of this variation. The variation in number of ovules, fruit set, number of seeds per fruit, seed set, seed weight and seed germination is investigated at different positions within the inflorescence of Silene acutifolia. METHODS: Data were obtained in natural populations, and germination experiments were conducted in a germination chamber. KEY RESULTS: The number of ovules, fruit set, number of seeds, seed set and seed weight, showed a significant decline from early (primary) position to later (tertiary) position. The patterns of intra-inflorescence variation were consistent in different populations and years of study. Seed germination showed an opposite pattern, seeds from primary position showed the lowest germination percentages and seeds from tertiary position the highest, although the effect of position on germination was only marginally significant. There was significant among-population variation in number of ovules per flower. Fruit set also varied significantly among populations, with lower fruit set in the smaller and more isolated population. No significant among-population differences were detected in number of seeds per fruit and seed set. Seeds from the smallest and more isolated population (Arnado) were the lightest. Seed germination showed strong differences between populations, seeds from Arnado started to germinate later, and showed the lowest final germination percentages. CONCLUSIONS: Architectural effects or resource competition are the most commonly proposed hypothesis to explain these patterns. Data suggest that there is less pollen available to pollinate tertiary flowers, and that there is not enough outcross pollen in Arnado. The germination percentages suggest that there is variation in the source of pollen within inflorescences, with high probability of receiving outcross pollen in flowers from primary position, and higher probability of geitonogamous crosses in tertiary flowers.     

Do frugivores enhance germination success of plant species? An experimental approach

Frugivorous birds are among the most important consumers of fleshy fruits particularly in sub-tropical and tropical forest ecosystems. Whether or not such plant–frugivore interactions contribute to germination enhancement is still a subject of much debate. We tested the effect of gut treatment by four captive species of avian frugivores in comparison to manually depulped seeds and whole fruits on seedling emergence and germination probability of seeds from sixteen plant species in South Africa. Moreover, we determined whether fruit weight of each plant species affected germination patterns. Across plant species, a total of 2795 seeds were planted, of which 50% germinated. Both seedling emergence and germination probability neither differed among the bird species nor in comparison to manually depulped seeds or whole fruits. Further, seedling emergence and germination probability were both unaffected by fruit weight. However, the germination probability of all treatments increased similarly with increasing number of weeks after planting. Overall, these results suggest that seed depulping, neither by gut treatment nor manually improved germination of seeds, irrespective of their fruit weights. Thus, the major contribution of frugivores to forest regeneration may be more confined in transporting seeds away from the mother plant than in germination enhancement per se.     

喀什霸王的结实和种子萌发特性

喀什霸王(Zygophyllum kaschgaricum)是生长于中国新疆南部荒漠环境的稀有种及二级保护植物。当前, 该物种在自然种群中呈分散式及片段化分布, 且种群密度低, 种群老龄化较严重。因此, 为了了解该物种种子萌发特性及其对荒漠环境的响应, 该文采用室内控制实验方法, 对该物种的自然坐果率、结籽率、种子吸水特性、种子休眠和萌发特性及对干旱胁迫的响应进行了比较研究。结果表明: 喀什霸王在自然种群中的坐果率及结籽率较低, 且种子的败育率较高。不同干藏时间种子的吸水速率间存在显著差异; 随着干藏时间的延长, 种子的吸水率逐步增强。刚成熟的种子在不同温度及光周期下均可萌发; 其中高温(10/20 ℃, 20/30 ℃)及黑暗条件下的萌发率比低温(10/5 ℃, 5/2 ℃)及光照条件下的萌发率高。不同干藏时间的种子在不同浓度赤霉素(GA₃)下的萌发率均较高; 但低温储藏时间对该物种种子的打破休眠及萌发率没有促进作用。以上结果说明该物种存在非深度生理休眠; 而干藏时间、高温且黑暗及高浓度(50 mmoloL ^-1) GA₃是打破休眠及促进种子萌发的最合适条件。高温条件下的干旱胁迫对喀什霸王种子萌发具有抑制作用; 春季和秋季降水量决定种子的萌发率。总之, 喀什霸王种子在物候上表现出的春秋季萌动及非深度生理休眠以提高幼苗存活力及保障种群稳定性, 是一种对新疆南部干旱及高温胁迫荒漠环境的适应策略。     

Demographic consequences of delayed germination in two annual grasses from two locations of contrasting aridity

Delayed seed germination is considered to be a bet-hedging strategy, but experimental evidence of its adaptive role as an inherited trait is still lacking. In each of two co-occuring annual grass species, populations of Mediterranean and desert origin were studied during three consecutive years for population demography and seed germination in the reciprocally introduced experimental soil seed banks. The two environments strikingly differed in productivity (annual rainfall) and predictability (variation in amount and timing of annual rainfall). The two species exhibited highly similar pattern of seed size and dormancy across the two environments. In both species, a higher proportion of dormant seeds was observed at the desert location and for the seeds of desert origin, consistent with bet-hedging buffering against unpredictability of rainfall and high probability of drought in this environment. In addition, in both species seed mass was significantly less in plants of desert origin than in plants of Mediterranean origin. The two environments differed in demographic consequences of temporal variation in precipitation. In the Mediterranean population, even in the year of least precipitation, adults grew to maturity and seeds were produced. These seeds served to maintain population size. In contrast, in the desert population, in the year of least rainfall no seedlings survived to maturity and the soil seed bank was the only source of population persistence. Altogether, the results concur with predicted by adaptive bet hedging importance of delayed germination under marginal precipitation.     

The effect of seed morphology on the potential dispersal of aquatic macrophytes by the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

1. The potential for seed dispersal by fish (ichthyochory) will vary among aquatic plants because of differences in seed size and morphology. 2. To examine how seed morphology influences the probability of dispersal by the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), we studied seed ingestion, retention time and subsequent egestion and germination of seeds of Sparganium emersum and Sagittaria sagittifolia, two aquatic plant species with similar sized but morphologically different seeds. 3. We compared dispersal probabilities between the two plant species, in which the probability of dispersal is assumed to be a function of the probabilities of seed ingestion, egestion and germination, and the dispersal distance is assumed to be a function of seed egestion rate over time. 4. We found that, although the soft seeds of S. sagittifolia had an approximately 1.5 times higher probability of being ingested by the carp than the hard seeds of S. emersum (83.15% ± 1.8% versus 56.16% ± 2.7%, respectively), the latter had an almost twofold higher probability of surviving the passage through the digestive tract (38.58% ± 2.7% versus 20.97% ± 1.5%, respectively). Patterns of seed egestion over time did not differ between the two plant species, despite the difference in seed morphology. Gut passage had a different effect on seed germination between plant species. Compared with non‐ingested controls, seeds of S. emersum showed a 12.6% increase in germination and a 2.1 day acceleration in germination rate, whereas seeds of S. sagittifolia displayed a 47.3% decrease and 5.1 day delay, respectively. 5. Our results suggest that seed morphology affects the dispersal probability and postdispersal establishment, but not the dispersal distance, of aquatic plants that are dispersed by fish.     

Bimodal changes in germinability of pea seeds under the influence of low doses of gamma-radiation

Pea seeds (cv. 'Nemchinovskii-85', harvest of 2002, 80%-germination percentage) were exposed to gamma-radiation with doses ranging from 19 cGy to 100 Gy. One week after the irradiation with doses of 19 cGy and 3 Gy. the germination percentage decreased to 58 and 45%, respectively; at doses of 7 and 10 Gy it was 73 and 70% respectively. At greater doses (25, 50, and 100 Gy), germination percentage decreased in proportion. Anomalous changes in seed germination percentage (as a function of irradiation dose) were caused by the redistribution of irradiated seeds between fractions I and II. The measurements of room temperature phosphorescence in air-dry seeds and the phosphorescence of endogenous porphyrines of imbibing seeds showen that the germination decrease after the irradiation with low doses (19 cGy and 3 Gy) was caused by the increase in the number of weak seeds of fraction II, which had high rates of water uptake and suffered from hypoxia under seed coat. Some of these seeds suffocated from hypoxia, and other seeds produced seedlings with morphological defects (such seeds were considered incapable of germination). During storage of seeds irradiated at doses 19 cGy-10 Gy, the recovery of germination percentage (after its initial decrease) was caused by the decrease in seed number in fraction II. The subsequent germination decrease was caused by seed death. The higher was the irradiation dose, the faster were changes in germination percentage during storage of irradiated seeds. Bimodal changes in pea seed germination with the increase of y-irradiation dose has apparently the same origin as the changes in seed germination during accelerated ageing.     

The effects of seed size and pericarp on seedling recruitment and biomass in Cryptocarya alba (Lauraceae) under two contrasting moisture regimes

Establishment success of plants derived from large seeds has been proposed to be greater than that of those derived from smaller ones, particularly under unfavourable conditions of moisture. Therefore, the advantages conferred by large seeds in terms of seedling performance may be modulated by abiotic conditions. The effect of seed size on Cryptocarya alba seedling performance (as determined by seedling recruitment and seedling size) was evaluated under two contrasting rainfall regimes (wet and dry year regime), simulated in the laboratory. It was also determined whether the presence of a pericarp, which had been shown to reduce germination, decreases desiccation and if this counterbalances the greater recruitment of seeds without a pericarp, especially under unfavourable conditions of moisture. Large seeds had a greater probability of recruitment and their seedlings attained a greater biomass, independently of the amount of water applied. In the simulated wet year regime, seeds with a pericarp showed a greater probability of recruitment than those lacking a pericarp. However, seedlings derived from both seed types attained a similar biomass. Under the dry year regime, seeds with and without a pericarp showed similar recruitment probabilities and their seedlings had similar biomasses. These results do not support the assumption that under favourable conditions of moisture, individual differences in seed size would not matter in term of seedling performance. A possible explanation in this case, is the presence of recalcitrant seeds in C. alba, which determines a very short time period for germination following dispersal. Therefore, any attribute that increases germination (e.g., large seeds) would be advantageous, independently of the prevailing abiotic conditions.     

Soil burial induced dormancy in weedy rice seeds through hormone level changes: Implications in adaptive evolution and weed control

Seed dormancy plays a key role in preventing seeds of higher plants from random germination under adverse environmental conditions. Previous studies suggested that a critical temperature could regulate germination of weedy rice seeds without primary dormancy at seed dispersion. However, what will happen to the non-dormant seeds after shattering in the soil seed banks when temperature fluctuates to exceed the critical temperature remains an interesting question to be investigated. To determine whether or not soil burial can change the status of dormancy in weedy rice seeds, we examined germination ratios of weedy rice seeds after soil-burial treatments. In addition, we compared hormone levels in the untreated seeds and viable but ungerminated seeds after soil burial. Results showed that soil burial induced a proportion of 41%–72% dormant seeds in the initially non-dormant weedy rice seeds. Also, the induction of seed dormancy is associated with the change of hormone levels in the seeds treated by soil burial, suggesting that soil burial can significantly activate the control of hormone production in seeds. Together, the previously reported mechanism of critical temperature-inhibited seed germination and the newly found phenomenon of soil burial-induced seed dormancy provide a “double-security” strategy to ensure germination of weedy rice seeds under a favorable condition in agricultural ecosystems. The findings not only reveal the important role of rapid evolution of adaptive functions in weeds, such as weedy rice, in adapting to changing agricultural environments, but also facilitate the design of strategies for effective weedy rice control practices.     

Seed dispersal distance,seed morphology,and recruitment in the Chilean sclerophyllous tree Quillaja saponaria: implications for passive restoration in a semiarid ecosystem

Recolonization of wind-dispersed tree species in degraded areas may decline with distance from remnant forest fragments because seed rain frequently decreases with distance from the seed source. However, regeneration of these species may be even more limited to sites close to the seed source if dispersal distance is negatively affected by seed mass, and germination probability is positively affected by seed mass. We evaluated these hypotheses in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem of central Chile, using the wind-dispersed tree species Quillaja saponaria. We assessed the seed rain curve in a degraded open area adjacent to a remnant forest fragment of this species, and related seed mass with dispersal distance from the seed source. Then, we evaluated the relationship between seed mass, germination, and seedling growth, and if seeds that fall nearer the seed source have greater germination probability. We found a decreasing seed rain with the distance from the seed source. Seed mass was not related to dispersal distance, although seeds with higher wing area dispersed further. Germination probability was significantly and positively related to the seed mass. We observed no significant relationship between distance and germination probability. We conclude that germination probability of this species does not vary along the seed rain curve, and that the recruitment density would be greater near the seed source only due to decreasing seed rain with distance. Our results suggest that this species has the potential to be passively restored in degraded areas, especially within the first 70 m from the remnant forest fragments.

     

A meta-analysis of the effects of frugivory (endozoochory) on seed germination: role of seed size and kind of dormancy

Heretofore, no study has determined how germination of ingested seeds is affected by the kind (class) of dormancy nor by seed dormancy x seed size interaction. Thus, we aimed to determine the effects of seed size, kind of dormancy and their interaction on germination of defecated seeds using a meta-analysis. We collected data for 366 plant species in 97 plant families from 76 publications. In general, gut passage significantly increased germination percentage of defecated seeds by 5% compared with that of control seeds. Germination percentages of non-dormant, physiologically dormant, and morphologically/morphophysiologically dormant seeds (all water-permeable) significantly decreased after gut passage by 40, 18, and 14%, respectively, compared with control seeds (non-gut-passed). Changes in germination percentage of seeds with physical dormancy (water-impermeable) were positive, and gut passage increased germination by 69% compared with control seeds. Germination of small seeds decreased 8% after gut passage, whereas germination of both medium and large seeds increased by 18%. However, changes in germination percentage differed between categories of seed size in each class of dormancy. In physically dormant seeds, germination of all seed sizes improved after gut passage, and the magnitude of increase was higher for large than for medium and small seeds. Thus, gut passage increased germination of medium-size water-permeable seeds (physiologically dormant and morphologically/morphophysiologically dormant) more than it did for large and small seeds. However, gut-passage decreased or did not change the germination percentage of non-dormant seeds. Seed size and kind of dormancy should be included in studies on the effect of gut passage on germination.     

苦槠传播体的萌发特性与种子休眠类型

种子的萌发特性是植物在长期进化过程中形成的一种适应环境变化的固有属性。对种子萌发特性的研究有助于我们理解物种的种群更新和种子育苗。本文旨在阐明我国重要资源植物苦槠（Castanopsis sclerophylla）的种子休眠类型和萌发特性。研究结果发现：①苦槠种子在其果实中占比非常高;②苦槠的果皮限制了种子对水分的吸收;③苦槠果皮阻碍了种子的萌发,除去果皮以后种子能够在较大温度范围内萌发;④除去果皮以后,苦槠种子在低温（15/5 ℃、20/10 ℃）下萌发困难,在25/15 ℃、30/20 ℃和35/25 ℃这3个温度梯度下均能迅速萌发。结果表明,苦槠的传播体（果实）具有物理休眠的特性。因此,壳斗科（Fagaceae）是具有物理休眠和脱水敏感性的一个新纪录科。结合壳斗科的系统发育位置,本研究支持物理休眠是一种较为进化的性状这一假说。     

Preliminary Study on Development,Germination and Desiccation Tolerance of Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae)

The developmental changes in morphology and germinability of Jatropha curcas seeds, effects of temperature and light on seed germination , and changes in desiccation tolerance of mature seeds were studied in this paper. The results indicated that J. curcas seeds reached a physiological maturation at 58 days after anthesis, and that seed germination percentage reached a peak at physiological maturation, and then decreased. The optimal germination temperature was 25 to 30℃. J. curcas seeds were insensitive to dehydration at physiological maturation . There was not a notable effect of light on seed germination. Therefore, J. curcas seed was a non-photoblastic and orthodox seeds .     

激素浸种对薄壳山核桃种子萌发的影响及其种子吸胀过程中SOD和POD活性变化

薄壳山核桃﹝Carya illinoinensis ( Wangenh.) K. Koch﹞为胡桃科( Juglandaceae)山核桃属( Carya Nutt.)植物,又名美国山核桃、长山核桃,是世界上著名的经济树种之一[1-2]。目前,主要采用本砧嫁接的方法培育薄壳山核桃良种嫁接苗,而培育优质实生苗作为砧木是该技术的关键环节之一,因此,了解其种子萌发特性极为重要。目前,对薄壳山核桃种子萌发特性的研究主要集中在植物激素催芽方面[3-5],而有关激素催芽过程中的适宜浸泡天数、种子吸胀过程中相关的酶活性变化等问题尚不明确。     

Hydrogen sulfide counteracts chlorophyll loss in sweetpotato seedling leaves and alleviates oxidative damage against osmotic stress

Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) is the predominant plant and vegetation community in the Florida Everglades. Germination of sawgrass seeds in the laboratory or nursery has been difficult and problematic, yet little is known about the physiological mechanistic regulation of the sawgrass seed germination process. In the present study, we examined the factors and mechanisms that influence sawgrass seed germination. We found that removal of seed husk and bracts, pre-soaking with bleach (hypochlorite), breaking the seed coat, or combinations of these treatments promoted the rate and success of germination, whereas presence of seed-encasing structures or treatment with husk/bract extract inhibited germination. We further detected the presence of abscisic acid (ABA) in the husk and bract. Experiments with ABA and gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors fluridone and tetcyclacis suggested that ABA already presented in the pre-imbibed seeds, and not derived through post-dormancy de novo synthesis, contributed to the inhibition of seed germination. Examination of bleach and mechanical treatments indicated the physical barrier presented by the seed-encasing structures provided additional mechanism for the long-term delay of seed germination. Based on the results of this study and others, we discussed the implications of sawgrass seed dormancy and germination in relation to its natural habitat and proposed a hypothesis that the protracted seed dormancy in sawgrass offered an adaptive advantage in the pre-anthropogenic Everglades environment, but may become a liability in the current man-managed Everglades water system.