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Seed germination requirements of the rare Helosciadium repens (aka Apium repens) determine persistence of seeds in the soil seed bank

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center dot The rare and threatened Heliosciadium repens grows in moist grasslands and has a distinct life cycle. Plants reproduce both clonally, although ramets tend to be short-lived, and sexually, with seeds that can form a persistent soil seed bank. The germination requirements of H. repens were investigated, yielding important information for its habitat management and conservation. center dot We examined the soil seed bank in three populations and carried out germination experiments and embryo growth measurements with fresh seeds in laboratory, greenhouse and outdoor conditions. We also investigated the effects of storage and burial of seeds. center dot H. repens formed a long-term persistent (>6 years) soil seed bank with very pronounced primary dormancy, but no secondary dormancy or dormancy cycles. Seeds can germinate throughout the growing season when temperatures are sufficiently high. Embryo growth and seed germination are triggered by light and, to a lesser extent, daily temperature fluctuations. center dot Seeds of H. repens seem to have developed a unique germination syndrome with several strategies to remain dormant in the soil until optimal conditions are present for seedling establishment and survival. Both sexual reproduction and seed bank formation are crucial for the long-term survival of the populations.
Original languageEnglish
JournalPlant Biology
Volume26
Pages (from-to)968-976
ISSN1435-8603
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1-Aug-2024

    Research areas

  • Apium repens, dormancy, germination, ramets, seed burial, soil seed bank

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