Abstract Detail

Ecology

McClain, Katherine [1], Fung, Vivian [1], Drenovsky, Rebecca E [2].

Seed germination requirements of four fire-recruiter chaparral shrubs.

Chaparral ecosystems rely on fire for renewal and regeneration. As a consequence, many chaparral plants produce seed requiring wildfire-related cues, such as heat or smoke, to break dormancy. Additionally, maternal provisioning may influence seed behavior and seedling success. Our objective was to evaluate the relative impacts of germination cues and maternal effects on seed germination and seedling emergence. We studied four species of chaparral shrubs from the California Coast Range: Ceanothus cuneatus, C. jepsonii, Arctostaphylos manzanita, and A. viscida. Based on previous work with congener species, we predicted the Ceanothus species would require heat-related cues, whereas the Arctostaphylos species would need fire-related chemical cues in addition to acids mimicking herbivore gut conditions to break dormancy. Through a series of laboratory experiments, we determined that seed pre-treatments had stronger effects on seed germination than maternal effects. Additionally, all species required at least three months of cold stratification to promote seed germination. Both Ceanothus species responded most strongly to hot water treatments, whereas the Arctostaphylos species only responded to acid, not fire-related chemical, cues. Across all species, seedling emergence was low. Future work should focus on factors limiting this key life stage transition.

1 - John Carroll University, Biology Department, 1 John Carroll Blvd, University Heights, Ohio, 44118, United States
2 - John Carroll University, Biology Department, 1 John Carroll Blvd, University Heights, OH, 44118, USA

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecology Section Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEC020
Abstract ID:517
Candidate for Awards:None