Growth, survival and generative reproduction in a population of a widespread annual hemiparasite Melampyrum pratense

摘要: Melampyrum pratense is one of the most successful root-hemiparasitic species temperate Europe occurring in various habitats including both forest and open communities. The shares its life history traits (large seeds, annuality, lack clonality) with other hemiparasitic Orobanchaceae. Due to vegetative propagation, reproductive success a M. individual largely depends on seed production. We used an individual-based observation ontogenetic development plants analysed spatial distribution individuals reveal links between fecundity their growth context population dynamics within growing season. demonstrated tight dependency production survival till end Plants that were still alive big (due high number lateral branches) August produced highest numbers seeds. These several times higher than average due positively skewed across individuals. rate premature mortality was rather low (below 50%) once seedlings successfully emerged likely caused by intraspecific competition. By contrast, moderate level herbivory (stem clipping grazers) had limited effect inflicted biomass losses seemed compensated. Therefore, despite being annual, appears well-adapted perennial-dominated communities, which also underpinned strategy providing essential resources allowing avoid below-ground