Reproductive properties of perennial Zostera marina at various germination temperatures
2016
Morita, T. (Mie University, Tsu, Mie (Japan). Graduate School of Bioresources) | Kakinuma, M. | Fujii, M. | Imai, A. | Kurashima, A. | Maegawa, M.
The morphological characteristics of shoots of Zostera marina L. germinated at 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25 degC were examined in outdoor mesocosms to better understand the reproductive and vegetative strategies of perennial populations. Seeds were divided into two groups: those exposed to cold (vernalized group) and those left untreated (non-vernalized group). In the vernalized group, the germination rate was the highest at 15 degC and was higher than in the non-vernalized group. All seedlings developed into reproductive shoots 14 months after sowing. Numbers of new lateral and reproductive shoots were not significantly affected by germination temperature. The total number of spadices, the total number of branches per shoot and the inflorescence length of reproductive shoots were also not significantly affected by germination temperature in perennial-type Z. marina. In the vernalized group, the total number of spadices on the first branches was only significantly higher than the total number on the sixth branches in reproductive shoots. This finding suggests that the sexual and asexual propagation of perennial Z. marina shoots is almost unaffected by germination temperature and early growth.
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