Intra-population seed survival during burial on a mass basis

Survival during burial is dependent upon a seed's ability to resist pathogen pressure and physiological aging. Several studies support positive interspecific relationship between seed survival in soil coat thickness. Our research attempted understand if similar intraspecific occurs Rudbeckia mollis (Asteraceae) seeds of different mass. Seeds were collected August 2016 separated into light (383 ± 7 µg), intermediate (409 8 heavy (447 10 µg) mass classes. Pericarp thickness was measured on fresh sections from each class. buried 25 cm deep non-irrigated wildflower plot monitored for viability with standard germination test over 24 months. Final percentage varied 0 98% an overall mean 82 30% among all Germination rate correlated positively temperature suggesting dormancy cycling that consistent non-deep dormancy. There no the likelihood but class more likely be recovered intact following burial. ranged 24.7–41.4 µm there weak This suggests short-term intra-population loss However, thicker coats higher may confer greater resistance pressure. supportive