Diaspore characteristics and ecological adaptation of Bromus tectorum L. from different distribution regions

The invasion of nonnative plants is considered one of the main threats to the structure and function of North American ecosystems.Moreover,they can alter ecosystem processes and reduce biodiversity.In arid and semi-arid region of North America,the species of European annual grass Bromus tectorum L.is an outstanding example of these problems,which not only increase the fire density and change the fire regime,but replace native communities.Therefore,there are amount of researches on B.tectorum,including resource acquisition,water use efficiency and growth.Whereas the relevant research on the morphology of diaspore is scare.Diaspores have a fundamental role in seed germination and seedling establishment.Besides,as an important link between different generations,diaspores have a vital significance on individual reproduction and population extension.Hence,diaspores under selection for studying have an important implication.This study compares differences in seed morphology for Bromus tectorum collected from the United States,Kazakhstan,and Xinjiang of China.The following indices of B.tectorum diaspores were analyzed:size,thickness of covering layers,and micromorphological characteristics of the base,middle and transition area of diaspores as well as of the awn.Micromorphology of the lemma and the cross-section of the diaspore were observed by scanning electron microscopy.Results showed that thickness of the lemma and the palea of diaspores from B.tectorum-infested grasslands in the United States were reduced(P<0.05),likely because of environmental influences.This reduction facilitated the germination of diaspores and lowered the resistance of B.tectorum to adverse environmental conditions.The length of the awn also increased significantly(P<0.05),which helped in dispersal and anchoring of diaspores.Therefore,B.tectorum adapted ecologically to its new environment in the United States by strengthening its establishment ability.However,the defense capability of B.tectorum decreased.These results fit the evolution of increased competitive ability hypothesis(EICA)of invasive species.Analysis of various cells on the lemma revealed that prickle densities and collapsed,long epidermal cells were easily influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and moisture because of the physiologic function of these structures on silicon accumulation.However,the form and the position of silica cells,which were not greatly influenced by environmental factors,might be genetically controlled.Studying these structures at the microscopic level helps define the relationship between the diaspore and its environment.This study has a reference value for future studies on B.tectorum.     

三江源区高寒草甸43种植物繁殖体质量和形状的比较

【目的】对三江源区高寒草甸43种植物繁殖体的质量和形状进行比较,初步探讨研究区植物繁殖体的生存对策,为退化草地恢复治理和生物多样性保护提供理论依据。【方法】采集三江源区高寒草甸43种植物的繁殖体(13种为种子,30种为果实),称质量,用繁殖体三维(长、宽、高)的方差衡量繁殖体形状,并分析繁殖体质量、形状与植物物种生态特征的相关性。【结果】有15种植物繁殖体的单粒质量小于1 mg并接近圆球形(平均方差<0.09),其可能具有持久土壤种子库;多年生草本植物繁殖体的质量较1年或1/2年生草本植物大,形状较其扁且长;优良牧草与杂草繁殖体的质量和形状均有差异,杂草繁殖体单粒质量大,而牧草的繁殖体更扁、长;种子形状的平均方差较果实的小,但质量无明显差异;禾本科、菊科、莎草科植物多有扁平或细长繁殖体(平均方差>0.09),而质量无明显差异;繁殖体附属物在植物的传播和定居方面具有重要作用,其中75%的菊科植物具有冠毛,易于被风传播,89%的禾本科植物具芒,被风传播的概率小。【结论】植物物种的扩散和定居与繁殖体的质量和形状密切相关。     

青藏高原特有植物块茎堇菜地上地下结果性及其散布机制

以青藏高原特有植物块茎堇菜Viola tuberifera为研究对象,对其地上地下结果性以及散布体的形态特征、空间位置和散布机制等进行了研究。块茎堇菜具有地上和地下3种不同类型的果实,分别为地上完全花（CH）果实、地上闭琐花（CL）果实和地下CL果实。3种类型果实在数量、着生位置以及成熟期上存在差异。块茎堇菜兼具有性和无性散布体,分别为CH种子、地上CL种子、地下CL种子和克隆器官鳞茎。其中CH种子数量较少,但以异交为主,保证了必要的变异,地上CL种子数量最多,是远距离散布的主要途径;地下2种散布体具有不可活动性,其近距离传播保证了物种的延续。块茎堇菜地上地下结果性及其散布机制的多样性是其对青藏高原高寒多变环境的适应。