Polyploidy but Not Range Size Is Associated With Seed and Seedling Traits That Affect Performance of Pomaderris Species.

ABSTRACT: Ploidy and species range size or threat status have been linked to variation in phenotypic and phenological seed and seedling traits, including seed size, germination rate (speed) and seedling stature. There is surprisingly little known about the ecological outcomes of relationships between ploidy, key plant traits and the drivers of range size. Here we determined whether ploidy and range size in Pomaderris, a genus of shrubs that includes many threatened species, are associated with variation in seed and seedling traits that might limit the regeneration performance of obligate seeders in fire-prone systems. We experimentally quantified seed dormancy and germination processes using fire-related heat treatments and evaluated seedling performance under drought stress. We also examined

SUBMITTER: Chan JCS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8793627 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature