Larger Seed Mass Predicts Higher Germination and Emergence Rates in Sandy Grassland Species With Non-Dormant Seeds

Abstract

The lack of knowledge on the traits related to the germination and establishment of native plant species represents obstacles to restoration. Seed mass, germination and emergence variability from two characteristic grasses (Festuca vaginata and Stipa borysthenica), and two dicots (Centaurea arenaria and Dianthus serotinus) of Hungarian sandy grasslands from altogether 34 localities were tested. Our results showed that seed mass had a significant positive effect on germinability of the dicots and on seedling emergence of all species. The laboratory germination capacity of S. borysthenica was low due to dormancy. We found a significant variability among seed traits and emergence between localities in all the species except for the germination of S. borysthenica. This significant variation among populations might be explained by local adaptation or maternal effects. We conclude that germination under laboratory-regulated conditions is a good predictor of seedling emergence for restoration projects, but limited to species with non-dormant seeds.

Co-seeding grasses and forbs supports restoration of species-rich grasslands and improves weed control in ex-arable land

“…In our study the establishment success of sown forbs expressed by cover was positively related with seed mass; larger seed mass resulted in higher cover 55 . Larger-seeded species have an advantage at the early stages of their life cycle, as the resources for growing are provided for seedlings, so they can escape unfavourable conditions 56 .…”