Rapid adaptation of seed germination requirements of the threatened Mediterranean species Malcolmia littorea (Brassicaceae) and implications for its reintroduction

Vitis, Marcello De; Seal, Charlotte E.; Ulian, Tiziana; Pritchard, Hugh W.; Magrini, Sara; Fabrini, Giuseppe; Mattana, Efisio

doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2014.05.008

Cited by 23 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…The role of the maternal environment during seed development, as a factor that can influence germination behaviour of M. littorea , has already been reported (De Vitis et al . ). It was shown that after one generation of ex situ plant cultivation under different conditions than the natural environment, seed germination performance was altered, compared to the seeds produced by the native population (De Vitis et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…It was shown that after one generation of ex situ plant cultivation under different conditions than the natural environment, seed germination performance was altered, compared to the seeds produced by the native population (De Vitis et al . ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Germination tests followed the methods of De Vitis et al . (). Seeds of each population were incubated in the dark at eight constant temperatures (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 23, 25, and 27 °C) and scored every day under green safelight (light density of 14.0 W·m −2 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…In Italy, De Vitis et al . (), detected the optimal conditions (light, temperature, soil burial depth) for seed germination, while in Spain, Novoa et al . () investigated the effect of moisture, pH and salinity on seed germination.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Integration of genetic and seed fitness data to the conservation of isolated subpopulations of the Mediterranean plantMalcolmia littorea

et al. 2017

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ABSTRACT• Plant autoecology and population genetics provide a perspective on the likelihood of natural regeneration, which is critical when designing conservation strategies for endangered species. The threatened coastal plant Malcolmia littorea (Brassicaceae) was sampled across its European distribution and studied for genetic diversity and seed fitness, with the aim of providing information for the conservation of isolated and declining populations.• Nine microsatellite markers (five chloroplast and four nuclear) were analysed to assess population genetic diversity and structure and to conduct a spatial analysis using the software DIVA-GIS. Germination percentages and rates were assessed by incubating the seeds under eight constant temperatures (0-27°C).• The genetic diversity was found to be similar among subpopulations (chloroplast H = 0.04-0.17; nuclear H o = 0.20-0.37), with no correlation between subpopulation diversity and the area of occupancy (AOO). The subpopulations were found to be clustered in three genetic groups, and three of them were identified as conservation priorities due to their unique genetic composition. The germination study revealed a significant influence of the maternal environment and AOO on seed germination, with the smaller subpopulations showing lower germination percentages (P < 0.05).• These results highlight the importance of obtaining information on isolated subpopulations through different experimental approaches (e.g. seed germination plus population genetics) to enable planning of effective conservation actions. For M. littorea, seed collection for both in situ and ex situ conservation should take into account the local adaptation of the subpopulation and the genetic structure of the species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Integration of genetic and seed fitness data to the conservation of isolated subpopulations of the Mediterranean plantMalcolmia littorea

et al. 2017

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“…As a result, restoration measures depending on seedling recruitment are sensitive to environmental maternal effects (Bischoff & Müller‐Schärer ; De Vitis et al . ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Responses of Primula vulgaris to light quality in the maternal and germination environments

et al. 2018

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In the model species Arabidopsis thaliana phytochromes mediate dormancy and germination responses to seasonal cues experienced during seed maturation on the maternal plants. However, the effect of the maternal light environment on seed germination in native wild species has not been well studied. This is particularly important given its practical application in the context of environmental restoration, when there can be marked changes in the canopy. Plants of Primula vulgaris were grown in the field over two vegetative seasons under four shading treatments from low to high ratio of red to far-red light (R:FR). Leaf and seed traits were assessed in response to the light treatments. The germination of seeds from these four maternal environments (pre-dispersal) was investigated at seven light and five temperature treatments (post-dispersal). Thinner leaves, larger leaf area and greater chlorophyll content were found in plants growing in reduced R:FR. Shading in the maternal environment led to increased seed size and yield, although the conditions experienced by the maternal plants had no effect on seed germination. Seeds responded strongly to the cues experienced in their immediate germination environment. Germination was always enhanced under higher R:FR conditions. The observed phenotypic trait variation plays a major role in the ability of P. vulgaris to grow in a wide range of light conditions. However, the increased germination capacity in response to a higher R:FR for all maternal environments suggests potential for seedling establishment under vegetative shade only in the presence of canopy gaps.

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Maternal effects strengthen interactions of temperature and precipitation, determining seed germination of dominant alpine grass species

Veselá

Hadincová

Vandvik

et al. 2021

American J of Botany

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Despite the existence of many studies on the responses of plant species to climate change, there is a knowledge gap on how specific climatic factors and their interactions regulate seed germination in alpine species. This understanding is complicated by the interplay between responses of seeds to the environment experienced during germination, the environment experienced by the maternal plant during seed development and genetic adaptations of the maternal plant to its environment of origin. METHODS:The study species (Anthoxanthum alpinum, A. odoratum) originated from localities with factorial combinations of temperature and precipitation. Seed germination was tested in conditions simulating the extreme ends of the current field conditions and a climate change scenario. We compared the performance of field-collected seeds with that of garden-collected seeds. RESULTS:A change to warmer and wetter conditions resulted in the highest germination of A. alpinum, while A. odoratum germinated the most in colder temperature and with home moisture. The maternal environment did have an impact on plant performance of the study species. Field-collected seeds of A. alpinum tolerated warmer conditions better than those from the experimental garden. CONCLUSIONS:The results demonstrate how knowledge of responses to climate change can increase our ability to understand and predict the fate of alpine species. Studies that aim to understand the germination requirements of seeds under future climates should use experimental designs allowing the separation of genetic differentiation, plasticity and maternal effects and their interactions, since all these mechanisms play an important role in driving species' germination patterns.

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Rapid adaptation of seed germination requirements of the threatened Mediterranean species Malcolmia littorea (Brassicaceae) and implications for its reintroduction

Cited by 23 publications

References 28 publications

Integration of genetic and seed fitness data to the conservation of isolated subpopulations of the Mediterranean plantMalcolmia littorea

Integration of genetic and seed fitness data to the conservation of isolated subpopulations of the Mediterranean plantMalcolmia littorea

Responses of Primula vulgaris to light quality in the maternal and germination environments

Maternal effects strengthen interactions of temperature and precipitation, determining seed germination of dominant alpine grass species

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