Conditional cold avoidance drives between-population variation in germination behaviour in Calluna vulgaris

Spindelböck, Joachim P.; Cook, Zoë; Daws, Matthew I.; Heegaard, Einar; Måren, Inger Elisabeth; Vandvik, Vigdis

doi:10.1093/aob/mct142

Cited by 25 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Variation in seed germination requirements (mean temperature, temperature regime, light) among population along climatic gradients is rarely documented (Spindelböck et al . ). According to an in situ experiment (A. Carta, unpublished data) with a soil data‐logger (Tynitag Explorer; data from 2011 to 2013) in the Italian population, germination occurred when water in the pond dropped and the diurnal thermal amplitude rise (emerged condition).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Local climate explains degree of seed dormancy in Hypericum elodes L. (Hypericaceae)

et al. 2015

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Seed dormancy and germination characteristics may vary within species in response to several factors. Knowledge of such variation is crucial to understand plant evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. We examined the correlation of climate and population genetic differentiation (ISSR) with primary seed dormancy and germination behaviour in populations of the Atlantic-European soft-water pool specialist Hypericum elodes. Primary dormancy was measured by analysing seed germination response of fresh seeds and after various periods of cold stratification. Laboratory germination experiments revealed that the single most important factor for promoting germination was cold stratification prior to placing at the germination temperature. However, in agreement with their weaker primary dormancy, the seeds germinated well when fresh, and the benefit of cold stratification was more relaxed for the southern populations. Seeds of all populations demonstrated a near absolute requirement for a light and alternating temperature regime in order to germinate. The promoting effect of alternating temperatures was particularly effective at warm temperatures (mean 20 °C) but not at cool temperatures. Whilst seed germination requirements were similar among populations, the degree of primary dormancy varied considerably and was not associated with population genetic differentiation. Primary dormancy degree was instead associated with local climate: higher temperature in summer and rainfall in winter predicted weak and rapid loss of dormancy. These results suggest that seed maturation environment may play a substantial role in explaining the degree of dormancy in H. elodes, highlighting that physiological dormancy can be modulated by local climate.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Local climate explains degree of seed dormancy in Hypericum elodes L. (Hypericaceae)

et al. 2015

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“…These seeds were germinated with and without the addition of smoke water (standard Themeda solution; diluted 1 : 500 000 based on a dose-response screening experiment reported in the electronic supplementary material, table S2) [5]. For each maternal plant and treatment, three replicate Petri dishes of 22 seeds sown on agar were incubated at 208C with a diurnal cycle of 16 L : 8 D; these conditions are known to yield maximum germination rates and percentages in Calluna [18,21,26]. Germination (radicle more than or equal to 0.5 mm) was scored for 60 days.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management-driven evolution in a domesticated ecosystem

Vandvik¹,

Töpper²,

Cook³

et al. 2014

Biol. Lett.

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Millennia of human land-use have resulted in the widespread occurrence of what have been coined 'domesticated ecosystems'. The anthropogenic imprints on diversity, composition, structure and functioning of such systems are well documented. However, evolutionary consequences of human activities in these ecosystems are enigmatic. Calluna vulgaris (L.) is a keystone species of coastal heathlands in northwest Europe, an ancient semi-natural landscape of considerable conservation interest. Like many species from naturally fire-prone ecosystems, Calluna shows smoke-adapted germination, but it is unclear whether this trait arose prior to the development of these semi-natural landscapes or is an evolutionary response to the anthropogenic fire regime. We show that smoke-induced germination in Calluna is found in populations from traditionally burnt coastal heathlands but is lacking in naturally occurring populations from other habitats with infrequent natural fires. Our study thus demonstrates evolutionary imprints of human land-use in semi-natural ecosystems. Evolutionary consequences of historic anthropogenic impacts on wildlife have been understudied, but understanding these consequences is necessary for informed conservation and ecosystem management.

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“…When corn seeds are germinated at low temperatures, it is necessary that, after radicle protrusion, vigorous seedlings are formed to withstand such stress (SilvaNeta et al, 2015). Thus, a strong selection pressure acts in response to germination, resulting in a number of strategies for survival and establishment of seedlings (Spindelbock et al, 2013). It is also worth mentioning that the initial growth of the corn seedlings is directly related to seed quality and consequently this will reflect on the performance of the seedlings (Mondo et al, 2013).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiological, isozyme changes and image analysis of popcorn seeds submitted to low temperatures

Catão

Caixeta

2017

J. Seed Sci.

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-This present study aimed to assess seed quality of popcorn seedlings subjected to low temperatures by examining their physiological changes, enzymes, and images. We used a completely randomized design with four replications in a factorial arrangement with four hybrids (P618, AP6002, AP8202, AP8203) and five temperatures (10, 13, 16, 19 and 25 °C). Their physiological quality was assessed through radicle protrusion, germination, dry mass of seedlings and emergence. We have assessed the images of seedlings through their hypocotyl and root lengths; and through rates of automatic force, uniformity and growth, provided by Groundeye. The isozyme expressions were determined for the catalase (CAT -IUBMB: EC 1.11.1.6), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH -IUBMB: EC 1.1.1.1), malate dehydrogenase (MDH -IUBMB: EC: 1.1.1.37) and α-amylase (α-AMY -IUBMB: EC 3.2.1.1). Results show that low temperatures cause a negative effect on seed physiological quality in enzyme expression of CAT, ADH, MDH and α-AMY and on the performance of seedlings. These alterations compromise seed quality. Hybrids AP6002 and AP8203 should be recommended for sowing at up to 16 °C. The Groundeye software was efficient in the analysis of popcorn seedlings and in for the assessment of seed quality when submitted to low temperatures.

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Conditional cold avoidance drives between-population variation in germination behaviour in Calluna vulgaris

Cited by 25 publications

References 47 publications

Local climate explains degree of seed dormancy in Hypericum elodes L. (Hypericaceae)

Local climate explains degree of seed dormancy in Hypericum elodes L. (Hypericaceae)

Management-driven evolution in a domesticated ecosystem

Physiological, isozyme changes and image analysis of popcorn seeds submitted to low temperatures

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