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- Title
Effects of soil metals on pollen germination, fruit production, and seeds per fruit differ between a Ni hyperaccumulator and a congeneric nonaccumulator.
- Authors
Meindl, George; Ashman, Tia-Lynn
- Abstract
Aims: Developmentally distinct soil formations (e.g., serpentine vs. non-serpentine soils) can vary markedly in chemical composition, including elements known to alter plant reproduction. Here we evaluate the effects of soil Ca and Ni on pollen germination and fruit and seed production for two species: Streptanthus polygaloides, a serpentine endemic and Ni hyperaccumulator, and S. tortuosus, a non-endemic, non-Ni-accumulating, serpentine-tolerant species. Methods: In a factorial experiment, we grew each species in soils that were amended to have high or low concentrations of Ca and Ni. We then performed hand pollinations and measured pollen germination, fruit production, and seeds per fruit. Results: While Ca soil supplementation did not affect reproduction for either species, soil Ni had a strong influence, which varied by species. For S. tortuosus, the high Ni recipient treatment resulted in reduced pollen germination and fruit/seed production. For S. polygaloides, recipient effects were detected, but in the opposite direction of S. tortuosus: high Ni recipient treatment had a neutral (or slightly positive) effect on S. polygaloides pollen germination and fruit/seed production. Conclusions: Soil chemistry can greatly influence plant reproduction by altering pollen-pistil interactions, and may determine patterns of plant species abundance and distribution on novel soils by directly affecting pollen germination and subsequent reproductive success.
- Subjects
METAL content of soils; CALCIUM in soils; NICKEL in soils; STREPTANTHUS; SOIL chemistry; PLANT reproduction; POLLEN; GERMINATION
- Publication
Plant & Soil, 2017, Vol 420, Issue 1/2, p493
- ISSN
0032-079X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11104-017-3425-4