Document: MAR-3-40-55

Germination responses modulated by thermic factors and original habitat in subalpine herbs.

PALACIOS, M.* 1 and M.SEBASTIA 1,2

Centre Tecnologic Forestal de Catalunya. 25280 Solsona. Spain 1
Universitat de Lleida. 25198 Lleida. Spain 2

Abstract:
We analyzed if there are distinct germination responses along temperature gradients among subalpine plants from two contrasted habitats. We germinated seeds of thirteen species commonly found in subalpine grasslands in the Pyrenees, seven from mesic, fertile habitats, and six from xeric, infertile habitats, in growth chambers, at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30C. Germination rates were low for all the species, particularly the mesic ones, but the germination pattern of responses to the thermic gradient was species-dependent. Germination speed was habitat-dependent, and mesic species germinated faster than xeric species. The low germination rate can be related to the presence of strong dormancy mechanisms to ensure survival under difficult environmental conditions. The gradual germination of xeric plants can also have an adaptive value to survive under harsh, changing habitats.

Keywords: Xeric community, Mesic community, Grasslands, Temperature, Germination rate, Seed

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This abstract is being presented at: 3:30 PM in session:
Poster Session #17: Vegetative Analysis.