Seed Dispersal and Soil Seed Bank of Seriphidium Quettense (asteraceae) in Highland Balochistan, Pakistan
Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Seed dispersal and soil seed bank attributes of Seriphidium quettense were studied over two years in highland Balochistan. Seed dispersal started in early winter and continued till early spring. Primary dispersal agents were wind and water. Dispersal unit was capitulum, most often without outermost whirl of phyllaries. There was generally one achene per capitulum but occasionally two to three achenes may also be present. Mean dispersal distance was 23 to 40 cm from parent plant to ground surface. Majority of seeds (59-65%) fell under canopy of parent plants. Sampling of soil for seed bank was done before and after seed dispersal of S. quettense. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0-2 cm, 2-4 cm) and from two microhabitats (under adult individuals and open interspaces) by using soil cores. Seed bank status was determined by observing S. quettense seedling emergence in the pots. Seriphidium quettense exhibited persistent soil seed bank attribute. High seed densities were found under canopy of adult individuals and in upper soil layer. Persistent soil seed bank may help seeds to occupy safe sites as they develop over time.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2741846558