Variability on morphological and ecological seed traits of Limonium avei (De Not.) Brullo & Erben (Plumbaginaceae). Issue 4 (22nd March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santo, Andrea; Mattana, Efisio; Grillo, Oscar; Sciandrello, Saverio; Peccenini, Simonetta; Bacchetta, Gianluigi
• Is Part Of: Plant species biology. Volume 32:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 368
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2017-03-22
• Subjects: germination -- inter‐population variability -- Limonium -- Mediterranean salt‐marshes -- seed image analysis; Plants -- Evolution -- Periodicals; Plants -- Classification -- Periodicals; 581
• DOI: 10.1111/1442-1984.12168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0913-557X

Abstract

Abstract : Limonium avei is an annual species occurring in the salt‐marshes and in limited surfaces of rocky areas around the Mediterranean coasts. Seed lots from five populations of this species, along a latitudinal gradient, were analyzed using an image analysis system to detect differences in seed morphology among populations. Germination requirements at constant (5–25°C) and alternating temperatures (25/10°C), both in light and in darkness, were evaluated for all populations, as well as the effect of the calyx removal on final seed germination and its rate. Morpho‐colorimetric analysis clearly identified seeds from different populations, habitats and substrates without misattributions among them. The calyx slowed the germination process, influencing both final germination and rate with respect to naked seeds. Seeds from all populations germinated with significantly higher percentages in the light, with respect to those incubated in the darkness, and showed rapid germination (time in days to reach 50% of germination: 0.5 days) at the warmer tested temperature (25°C). High germination (>80%) was also detected for seeds of all the investigated populations, except for those from the Apulian region (South Italy, ca. 60%). Our results highlight that L. avei has a high variability in seed morphology, probably habitat induced, and a fast germination response for all populations. Rapid germination may be an adaptive strategy that allows L. avei seeds to take advantage of transient favorable conditions during the germination stage, to ensure seedling establishment under the unpredictable rainfall pattern in the Mediterranean climate. Abstract : Seeds from five populations of Limonium avei, an annual species growing in salty habitats along Mediterranean sea coasts, were studied for their germination requirements and analyzed using an image analysis system to detect differences in seed morphology and germination among populations. Our results highlighted that L. avei has a high variability in seed morphology, probably habitat induced, and a fast germination response with high percentages for all populations.