Publication details
Seed availability and gap size influence seedling emergence of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in grasslands
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Grass and Forage Science |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Plant diseases, weeds and plant protection |
| Keywords | dandelion; Taraxacum officinale; seed availability; seedling abundance; gap size; germination |
| Description | Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) seedlings colonize gaps in agricultural grassland and give rise to weedy pastures. It was investigated how this colonization is affected by seed availability and gap size. Flowering, seed production and spontaneous seedling emergence in artificial gaps were recorded at seven grassland sites. Fifteen to 126 flowers m2 (216 thousands of seeds m2) were produced at particular sites in May 2005. Seed availability explained 091 of the between-site variation in seedling abundance. Seedling populations represented c. 003 of the seed produced at these sites. Shading, pH, soil nutrients and soil texture did not affect seedling emergence. In 2006, seed was sown at one site in small (33 cm2) and large (400 cm2) gaps on eight occassions during the growing season. |
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