Comparison of environmental characteristics at Cicuta virosa habitats, an endangered species in South Korea

Abstract

Cicuta virosa is an endangered species in Korea, which is a southern marginal area. To conserve and restore habitats ofthis plant, we investigated water and soil environmental characteristics and vegetation at four habitats during the growingseason. The C. virosa habitats differed in community structure, water and substrate properties, and water regime.Although the total distribution ranges of the water and soil environments for C. virosa were wide and overlapped withthe optimal environmental range of distribution of accompanying species, the optimal water level range for C. virosa wasdefined as 7 ± 3.5 cm. Water level was adjusted by substrate structure such as a mound of P. japonica and a floating matcomprised of accompanying species. A floating mat was an aid to maintain an optimal and stable water level in deep orfluctuating water and to prevent strong competition with prolific macrophytes. The GS sampling site, which had floatingmats, could be a good model for C. virosa conservation in a warm temperate region, whereas the PC sampling sites, whichexperienced a water shortage in spring, provided a clue about the decline in C. virosa population size

Ecotypic differentiation in seed and seedling morphology and physiology among Cicuta virosa populations

“…The three populations were treated as dependent variables, whereas the trait variables (seed size, SLA, root: shoot ratio, RGR, stress sensitivity and germination rate) were independent variables. Relationships between the traits and environment factors from Shin et al (2013) were described with linear multiple regression analyses (p ≤ 0.05).…”

“…Gunsan (GS) was located 2 • south of HS and PC at a very low altitude with a 1 m deep reservoir and a floating mat composed of Zizania latifolia, Paspalum distichum and C. virosa. Several below-zero temperature days were noted, and nutrient rich water was flowing in (Shin et al, 2013). The populations were named after their origin.…”

“…About 35 • N latitude seems to be a southern boundary for C. virosa distribution in Asia. Although C. virosa is distributed widely from a latitude of 35 • N to 70 • N in the Northern hemisphere, C. virosa populations in southernmost Korea and Japan have decreased (Japanese Wildlife Research Association, 2012;Shin et al, 2013) and in Hungary also, seed longevity and germination characteristics of C. virosa have been investigated for restoration purposes (Tatár, 2010). However, no research has been conducted so far comparing the life history of different C. virosa populations as ecotypes.…”

“…Those habitats are located at sites with different altitudes, climates, water regimes, and nutrient availability (Shin et al, 2013). Shin et al (2013) found differences in leaf morphology and flowering time among populations and considered that these three populations could be classified as ecotypes.…”

“…Those habitats are located at sites with different altitudes, climates, water regimes, and nutrient availability (Shin et al, 2013). Shin et al (2013) found differences in leaf morphology and flowering time among populations and considered that these three populations could be classified as ecotypes. To further explore differences among populations, we compared seed and seedling morphology and tested the sensitivity of seedlings to dryness and shade and the germination responses to light and temperature to identify ecotypic differences in C. virosa populations.…”