Seed Viability, Spikelet Dispersal, Seed Banks and Seed Storage Requirements for Native and Invasive Cordgrasses (Genus Spartina) in Southwest Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Seed banks play an important role in determining the spatial and temporal distribution of halophytes in salt marshes. We tested the ability of native Spartina maritima and invasive S. densiflora spikelets to disperse by flotation on water with different salinity concentrations, and the longevity of spikelet viability relative to environmental conditions including dry or wet storage at low or moderate temperatures, and aqueous salinity concentrations from fresh to sea water. We quantified pre-dispersal seed production and pre- and post-dispersal focal Spartina spp. presence in seed banks along intertidal gradients within salt marshes at the Gulf of Cádiz (Southwest Iberian Peninsula). Spartina densiflora spikelets, especially from middle and high elevation marshes, showed greater ability than S. maritima to remain afloat, which suggests this species could be dispersed over longer distances. Wet-stored Spartina seeds were able to maintain viability for months, while seeds under dry storage rapidly lost viability. This decline was most significant for S. maritima, and for seeds stored at moderate temperatures. Storage of spikelets under wet and cold conditions optimized spikelet viability. Native S. maritima did not establish transient or persistent seed banks, while invasive S. densiflora established transient seed banks mainly at higher marsh elevations. Our results on the dynamics of seed dispersal and seed banks and seedling recruitment provide fundamental knowledge that can be applied for conservation of native S. maritima, management of invasive S. densiflora, and ecological restoration of tidal salt marshes.