SEED GERMINATION RESPONSE AND EVIDENCE FOR HEIGHT ECOPHENES IN SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA FROM NORTH CAROLINA

摘要: A B S T R C study was conducted to determine germination response temperature and salinity seedling by three height forms of the salt marsh grass Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Germination tests showed that seeds cannot withstand drying at moderate temperature, as viability lost within 40 days in stored dry 72 F. Cold storage 43 F is adequate prevent desiccation up days, but after 8 months lost. Viability retained least when are sea water good a 65-95 alternating diurnal thermoperiod poor constant thermoperiod. an inverse curvilinear relationship with inhibition high salinities apparently due osmotic effects. The maximum tolerance limit for lies between 6 % NaCl. Seeds from short, medium, tall plants responded similarly studies. However, studies, Ocracoke Island short form Oak performed best. logarithmic curve best described growth various NaCl levels. Growth measured weight 0.5 solution. Seedlings grew taller both 1.0 than 0 No significant difference parent plant detected. Thus, on basis responses, S. North Carolina marshes ecophenes.