Study on seed production, characteristics of dormancy, and germination of Scirpus mariqueter in the Yangtze River Estuary

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2025.02.007

Abstract

Abstract:

Scirpus mariqueter is a pioneer and keystone species of the salt marsh ecosystem in the Yangtze River Estuary. Seeds produced via sexual reproduction are the primary means of long-distance population dispersal. This study investigated the seed production, characteristics of dormancy, and germination of S. mariqueter populations along gradients of elevation in tidal flats using field surveys, seed storage experiments, and germination tests. The results of seed production studies showed that the elevation of tidal flats significantly influenced plant density and seed production of S. mariqueter (p < 0.05). Sampling areas at an elevation of 2.8 m and above were found to have the highest plant density and seed production at (682 ± 27) ind/m² and (1724 ± 101) seeds/m², respectively. Areas between 2.5 ~ 2.8 m of elevation had a plant density of (256 ± 41) ind/m² and a seed production of (613 ± 101) seeds/m². The lowest values were observed in sampling areas between 2.0 ~ 2.5 m elevation, with a plant density of (138 ± 27) ind/m² and absence of seed production. The seed production of mature communities in suitable habitats could reach up to (1724 ± 101) seeds/m². The results of seed storage, dormancy, and germination experiments showed that the seeds of S. mariqueter matured in autumn with an inherent dormancy state. After being buried in soil seed banks, the seeds enter enforced dormancy during winter. These seeds can germinate rapidly in spring when temperature and moisture conditions in favorable habitats become suitable. However, if the seeds experience environmental stresses during this period, such as deep sedimentation or flooding, they cannot germinate and instead will re-enter induced dormancy during the high temperatures of summer. Seeds in induced dormancy require another process of vernalization to break dormancy and germinate under suitable conditions. The seeds of S. mariqueter can survive for many years after entering induced dormancy and can be placed in a persistent seed bank. The findings of this study can contribute to a deeper understanding of the characteristics of seed biology for S. mariqueter and provide an important scientific basis for the ecological restoration and reconstruction of S. mariqueter populations.

Key words: the Yangtze River Estuary, saltmarshes, Scirpus mariqueter, seed production, seed dormancy and germination, soil seed bank

CLC Number:

Q145

Feng TIAN, Lin YUAN, Liquan ZHANG, Yang LI, Lu BAN, Pingya CHEN. Study on seed production, characteristics of dormancy, and germination of Scirpus mariqueter in the Yangtze River Estuary[J]. J* E* C* N* U* N* S*, 2025, 2025(2): 68-76.

Figures/Tables 7

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采样区域	高程(h)范围/m
H 样区	h > 2.8
M 样区	2.5 < h ≤ 2.8
L 样区	2.0 < h ≤ 2.5

采样区域	植株密度/(株·m^–2)	植株高度/cm	结穗率/%	每穗种子数/粒	千粒重/g	种子产量/(粒·m^–2)
L 样区	138 ± 27^c	14.0 ± 1.8^b	0^b	0^b	0^b	0^b
M 样区	256 ± 41^b	34.0 ± 1.4^a	86.3 ± 8.5^a	2.6 ± 0.5^a	6.5 ± 0.2^a	613.0 ± 101.0^b
H 样区	682 ± 27^a	34.4 ± 1.1^a	91.0 ± 3.6^a	2.8 ± 0.4^a	6.6 ± 0.2^a	1724.0 ± 101.0^a

种子处理方法	萌发实验时间	萌发率/%
风干放置	2020年12月	1.0 ± 1.3^b
低温层积处理	2021年1月	65.6 ± 2.6^a
室外层积处理	2021年4月	62.1 ± 3.8^a
室外层积处理 + 淹水	2021年7月	0^c
深度淹水后低温层积处理	2021年8月	60.8 ± 4.2^a

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