Abstract
In the present study we assessed the sensitivity of stored seeds of the common grass Neurachne alopecuroidea R.Br. from south-western Australian sources to varying temperature and moisture conditions as a tool to anticipate potential adaptability of seeds to climate change. Weexamined among-population germination responses, focusing on germination of excised seeds to overcome possible dormancy imparted by the lemma and palea. We hypothesised that temperature above and below the optimum and low moisture potentials would adversely affect germination, and that conditions for successful germination would be associated with the local climate at each seed source site. Experiment 1 used a bi-directional temperature gradient plate to measure responses to constant and alternating temperatures (5-40 degrees C). Experiment 2 examined responses to moisture availability using polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) solutions at different temperatures. Temperature optima varied among populations with significant reductions in germination occurring only below 15 degrees C. Germination speed and success declined with decreasing moisture availability, with greater impact at higher temperatures. Significant population variation was observed. Tolerance to temperature and moisture availability was higher than expected and some of this variation suggests adaptation to local climates across the species Western Australian distribution. We discuss these results in the context of seed use in restoration and global warming.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 106-115 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Australian Journal of Botany |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Cite this
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Provenance modulates sensitivity of stored seeds of the Australian native grass Neurachne alopecuroidea to temperature and moisture availability. / Gray, Friday; Cochrane, Anne; Poot, Pieter.
In: Australian Journal of Botany, Vol. 67, No. 2, 2019, p. 106-115.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Provenance modulates sensitivity of stored seeds of the Australian native grass Neurachne alopecuroidea to temperature and moisture availability
AU - Gray, Friday
AU - Cochrane, Anne
AU - Poot, Pieter
PY - 2019
Y1 - 2019
N2 - In the present study we assessed the sensitivity of stored seeds of the common grass Neurachne alopecuroidea R.Br. from south-western Australian sources to varying temperature and moisture conditions as a tool to anticipate potential adaptability of seeds to climate change. Weexamined among-population germination responses, focusing on germination of excised seeds to overcome possible dormancy imparted by the lemma and palea. We hypothesised that temperature above and below the optimum and low moisture potentials would adversely affect germination, and that conditions for successful germination would be associated with the local climate at each seed source site. Experiment 1 used a bi-directional temperature gradient plate to measure responses to constant and alternating temperatures (5-40 degrees C). Experiment 2 examined responses to moisture availability using polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) solutions at different temperatures. Temperature optima varied among populations with significant reductions in germination occurring only below 15 degrees C. Germination speed and success declined with decreasing moisture availability, with greater impact at higher temperatures. Significant population variation was observed. Tolerance to temperature and moisture availability was higher than expected and some of this variation suggests adaptation to local climates across the species Western Australian distribution. We discuss these results in the context of seed use in restoration and global warming.
AB - In the present study we assessed the sensitivity of stored seeds of the common grass Neurachne alopecuroidea R.Br. from south-western Australian sources to varying temperature and moisture conditions as a tool to anticipate potential adaptability of seeds to climate change. Weexamined among-population germination responses, focusing on germination of excised seeds to overcome possible dormancy imparted by the lemma and palea. We hypothesised that temperature above and below the optimum and low moisture potentials would adversely affect germination, and that conditions for successful germination would be associated with the local climate at each seed source site. Experiment 1 used a bi-directional temperature gradient plate to measure responses to constant and alternating temperatures (5-40 degrees C). Experiment 2 examined responses to moisture availability using polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) solutions at different temperatures. Temperature optima varied among populations with significant reductions in germination occurring only below 15 degrees C. Germination speed and success declined with decreasing moisture availability, with greater impact at higher temperatures. Significant population variation was observed. Tolerance to temperature and moisture availability was higher than expected and some of this variation suggests adaptation to local climates across the species Western Australian distribution. We discuss these results in the context of seed use in restoration and global warming.
KW - climate change
KW - germination
KW - moisture availability
KW - Poaceae
KW - seed bank
KW - temperature
KW - Western Australia
KW - POLYETHYLENE-GLYCOL
KW - CLIMATE-CHANGE
KW - POPULATION VARIATION
KW - ALLIES POACEAE
KW - GERMINATION
KW - DORMANCY
KW - STRESS
KW - C-3
KW - TRAITS
U2 - 10.1071/BT18240
DO - 10.1071/BT18240
M3 - Article
VL - 67
SP - 106
EP - 115
JO - Australian Journal of Botany
JF - Australian Journal of Botany
SN - 0067-1924
IS - 2
ER -