Seasonal variation in the bryophyte diaspore bank of open grasslands on dolomite rock

Abstract

Seasonal changes in the diaspore bank of bryophytes and background processes were investigated in two open grasslands on dolomite rock in Hungary by means of soil samples. To test the longevity of propagules and to collect information about their potential dormancy, a part of each sample was stored air-dried in the laboratory for periods of half a year and 1 year. In contrast to results of earlier studies, temporal variation was detected in the number of propagules stored in the soil of three species (Bryum argenteum, Bryum erythrocarpum agg. and Weissia controversa). There is evidence of dormancy in vegetative gemmae of species of the Bryum erythrocarpum complex and Weissia controversa. Dormancy is also hypothesized in spores of Phascum cuspidatum. We suggest that dormancy in bryophyte propagules is less rare than had hitherto been assumed. Probably this is due mainly to the relatively small number of investigations of species living in habitats with periodically unfavourable moisture and temperature conditions.