Pollination effects on patterns of ovule fate in Hesperis matronalis (Brassicaceae)

Botany ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 466-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Susko ◽  
Michelle Clubb
Keyword(s):  
Gradient Analysis ◽  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Seed Maturation ◽  
Ovule Development ◽  
Invasive Weed ◽  
Seedling Biomass ◽  
Ovule Position ◽  
Hesperis Matronalis ◽  
Resource Gradient

We examined ovule positional effects on patterns of ovule development within linear fruits of the invasive weed, dame’s rocket, Hesperis matronalis L. Fruits were collected from two sites in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The majority of ovules within fruits were aborted early in development. Emergent patterns of ovule abortion and seed maturation within fruits were nonrandom and dependent on ovule position. The probability of seed maturation within individual fruits decreased significantly from basal to distal ends, suggesting an intrafruit resource gradient. Self-pollinated flowers at one site produced fruits with a similar pattern of seed maturation as was found for open-pollinated plants. However, cross-pollinated flowers produced fruits in which the pattern of seed maturation was reversed; more seeds were matured at the distal ends rather than the basal ends of fruits, indicative of a fertilization gradient. Analysis of pollen-tube growth showed that ovule failure may not be attributed to pollen limitation. For seeds produced via hand-pollinations, we found no relationship between seed mass and seedling biomass, although seeds from self-pollinations germinated more readily than did seeds from cross-pollinations. While patterns of ovule fate in H. matronalis can be manipulated by pollen source, the effects of such patterns on plant fitness are yet to be determined.

Effect of ovule position on patterns of seed maturation and abortion in Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae)

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (8) ◽  
pp. 1259-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Susko
Keyword(s):  
Black Locust ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Seed Maturation ◽  
Plant Fitness ◽  
Ovule Development ◽  
Development Patterns ◽  
Seedling Size ◽  
Ovule Position ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia L

I examined the effect of ovule position on patterns of ovule development within the linear pods of black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L. Fruits were sampled from three sites in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Approximately two-thirds of all ovules failed to show visible signs of fertilization or development. Patterns of seed maturation and abortion within fruits were nonrandom and depended on ovule position. The probability of seed maturation within individual fruits decreased significantly from the distal to basal ends, suggesting the existence of a fertilization gradient. Seeds at the basal ends of fruits were also lighter than more distally located seeds. While seed mass did not influence the likelihood of germination, seed mass was positively correlated with seedling size. Hence, ovule position exerts an influence on offspring vigour and has the potential, ultimately, to affect plant fitness.

Variable patterns of seed maturation and abortion in Alliaria petiolata (Brassicaceae)

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (10) ◽  
pp. 1677-1686 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Susko ◽  
Lesley Lovett-Doust
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Important Determinant ◽  
Resource Limitation ◽  
Alliaria Petiolata ◽  
Seed Maturation ◽  
Garlic Mustard ◽  
Ovule Development ◽  
Seed Maturity ◽  
Mature Seeds

We investigated variation in ovule development within and among fruits in garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande. Individuals were sampled at 14 sites in North America. On average, 94% of ovules showed evidence of fertilization and development. The majority of ovules (mean 68%; range 53.2-82.5%) reached seed maturity. Patterns of seed maturation and abortion varied nonrandomly within and among fruits. In sites in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ontario, resource limitation seemed to be an important determinant of seed production, as fruits initiated nearest the base of an infructescence were significantly more likely to produce mature seeds than distally located fruits. Also the probability of seed maturation within individual fruits decreased significantly from the pedicellar to the stylar ends. In contrast, for individuals from Ohio sites, the probability of maturing seeds was greatest for centrally located fruits within an infructescence as well as for centrally located ovules within fruits, indicating a greater influence of pollen limitation in addition to resource limitation. We conclude that it could be misleading to infer traits of a species as a whole based on observed patterns of seed maturation in a single site or region. Rather such patterns may reflect prevailing conditions and selection pressures at a local, or regional, scale.Key words: Alliaria petiolata, Brassicaceae, garlic mustard, ovule abortion, seed maturation, patterns.

Germination and seedling establishment in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.): An interaction between seed size, relative growth rate and seedling biomass

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Babli Mog, J.D. Adiga M.G. Nayak and G.S. Mohana
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Germination Percentage ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
Unit Leaf ◽  
Seedling Biomass

<p>Seeds of cashew were used to determine the effect of seed mass (5.2 to 7.8 g) on germination, seedling emergence and growth<br />under nursery conditions. Germination percentage and germination time showed significant correlation with seed mass. Large<br />sized seeds had higher germination percentage (81.6%) and produced more vigorous seedlings. Per cent seedling emergence was<br />related to seed mass with large sized seeds exhibited faster emergence. Seed mass significantly affected seedling survival and<br />survival rate was high in seedlings arising from large sized seeds (62.9%). Seedling vigor expressed in terms of shoot and root<br />length, leaf number, leaf area and total dry matter was significantly affected by seed mass. Seedlings that emerged from large sized<br />seeds showed better growth and produced heavier seedlings as compared to medium sized seeds. RGR showed significant variation<br />(0.152 to 0.240 g g-1day-1) among two seed size classes positively correlated with seed mass, leaf area (LA), unit leaf rate per unit<br />leaf area (ULRM), root to shoot ratio (R/S) and root mass ratio (RMR) and negatively with stem mass ratio (SMR). The study<br />concluded that the seed mass and RGR have influence on seedling growth and success of seedling establishment in cashew.</p>

Effect of ovule position on seed maturation and seed weight in Ulex europaeus and Ulex gallii (Fabaceae)

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 848-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gutiérrez ◽  
Rosa Menéndez ◽  
José R. Obeso
Keyword(s):  
Seed Weight ◽  
Fruit Shape ◽  
Seed Maturation ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Genetic Quality ◽  
Ulex Europaeus ◽  
Woody Legumes ◽  
Ovule Position ◽  
Maternal Resources ◽  
Progeny Performance

We examined the effect of ovule position within the pod on the probability of seed maturation and on seed weight in two woody legumes, Ulex europaeus and Ulex gallii. Results showed that ovule position had a significant effect on the probability of seed maturation in both species. Ovules in a central position were found to have a higher probability of maturation in U. europaeus, whereas those in a stylar position were favored in U. gallii. Ulex europaeus showed no effect of position on seed weight. The smallest seed within the pod was more frequently at stylar positions in U. gallii. These results might be explained by several non-exclusive hypotheses: time of fertilization, constraints on seed development (e.g., fruit shape and access to maternal resources), and genetic quality. The effects of seed weight on progeny performance estimated as probability of germination and seedling weight were tested in a laboratory experiment. Neither U. europaeus nor U. gallii exhibited any effect of seed weight on the probability of germination. However, seedling weight was dependent on seed weight in both species. Keywords: woody legumes, probability of maturation, seed position, seed weight.

Emergence and development of Russian wild ryegrass seedlings as influenced by seed source, seed mass, and seeding depth in an artificial medium

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. E. Limbach ◽  
C. A. Call
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Seed Source ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Artificial Medium ◽  
Psathyrostachys Juncea ◽  
Seedling Biomass ◽  
Multiple Regression Models ◽  
Length Data

Seedling emergence, seedling biomass, and root lengths of Russian wild ryegrass seedlings were analyzed with respect to seed source, seed mass, seeding depth, and harvest. Multiple regression models containing these factors were statistically significant predictors of the log-transformed seedling biomass and root length data (DF = 9, Fbiomass = 1763.67, Froot = 949.33, and P < 0.0001 for both variables). The effects of seed mass, seeding depth, and harvest were significantly related to the dependent measures while the effect of seed source was not significant. Seedling emergence from suboptimal seeding depths was significantly greater for heavy seeds than for light seeds (χ = 14.076, DF = 7, P < 0.0001). Key words: Fritted clay, Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski, rooting depth, Russian wild ryegrass, seed size, Syn-A, Vinall

scholarly journals Local adaptation to continuous mowing makes the noxious weed Solanum elaeagnifolium a superweed candidate by improving fitness and defense traits

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Chavana ◽  
Sukhman Singh ◽  
Alejandro Vazquez ◽  
Bradley Christoffersen ◽  
Alexis Racelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Specific Root Length ◽  
Invasive Weed ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Potato Beetle ◽  
Feeding Effects ◽  
Solanum Elaeagnifolium ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Leaf Trichome

AbstractThe role of disturbance in accelerating weed growth is well understood. While most studies have focused on soil mediated disturbance, mowing can also impact weed traits. Using silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), a noxious and invasive weed, through a series of field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments, we asked whether continuous mowing influences growth and plant defense traits, expressed via different avenues, and whether they cascade into offspring. We found that mowed plants produced significantly less number of fruits, and less number of total seeds per plant, but had higher seed mass, and germinated more and faster. When three herbivores were allowed to feed, tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) caterpillars, gained more mass on seedlings from unmowed plants, while cow pea aphid (Aphis craccivora), a generalist, established better on mowed seedlings; however, leaf trichome density was higher on unmowed seedlings, suggesting possible negative cross talk in defense traits. Texas potato beetle (Leptinotarsa texana), a co-evolved specialist on S. elaeagnifolium, did not show any differential feeding effects. We also found that specific root length, an indicator of nutrient acquisition, was significantly higher in first generation seedlings from mowed plants. Taken together, we show that mowing is a selective pressure that enhances some fitness and defense traits and can contribute to producing superweeds.

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