The life-history traits influencing reproduction success and the recruitment of seedlings of Dianthus superbus L. in different stages of meadow overgrowing

Kinga Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt

doi:10.5586/aa.2014.022

Kinga Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5586/aa.2014.022

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Abstract

A study of the life-history traits and seedling recruitment in small and isolated populations of a rare clonal species, Dianthus superbus L., was carried out in the years 2011–2012 in Kraków-Kostrze (Southern Poland). Observations were conducted in unmanaged Molinietum caeruleae meadows situated along the successional gradient. The patch representing the initial stage of succession (P1) was dominated by small species creating delicate erect or procumbent stems, the patch representing the temporary stage of succession (P2) was prevailed by large-tussock grasses and tall-growing macroforbs, while the patch representing the terminal stage of succession (P3) was partly overgrown by bushes and trees. The number of generative shoots, flowers, fruits and seeds of Dianthus superbus L. diminished gradually from P3 via P2 to P1. The increase in abundance of generative shoots and flower number in the vicinity of tall plants contributes to increased visibility of inflorescences and may enhance the chances for nocturnal pollinator visits. A significant production of fruits and seeds in competitive neighborhood may augment the chances for successful dispersal and colonization of new, perhaps more favorable habitats. The recruitment of seedlings occurred only in artificially created gaps in plant canopy and litter. The appearance of seedlings and their survivorship were better in P1 than in P2 and P3. Such a phenomenon might be due to the locally rising water level and the diminishing amount of light reaching to the soil area along the successional gradient.Concluding, it should be asserted that a low production of generative shoots, flowers, fruits and seeds by the population of Dianthus superbus L. established in the patch dominated by small meadow species is compensated by the highest seedling recruitment and their survival. On the other hand, a substantial production of generative structures is not sufficient to ensure the persistence of populations in meadows in advanced stages of secondary succession.

Highlights

During the 20th century, traditional agricultural management in semi-natural communities was either heavily intensified or abandoned in Europe
The increased abundance of generative shoots and flower number in Dianthus superbus L. populations occurring in the vicinity of tall plants contributes to increased visibility of inflorescences and may enhance the chances for nocturnal pollinator visits
The increase in capsule and seed production in the populations of Dianthus superbus L. along the successional gradient is in accordance with the observations carried out in the populations of other species inhabiting abandoned Molinietum caeruleae

Summary

Introduction

During the 20th century, traditional agricultural management in semi-natural communities was either heavily intensified or abandoned in Europe. Unmanaged lands were subjected to secondary succession and gradual encroachment of tall-growing macroforbs, shrubs and trees Such phenomenon, directly leading to the deterioration and fragmentation of habitats, was repeatedly observed in calcareous grasslands [1], heathlands [2,3] and meadows [4, 5, 6]. The management of rare plant populations is facilitated by knowledge of the variability of life-history traits shaping the reproductive success, i.e. number of generative shoots, flower and fruit production, seed set, as well as knowledge of recruitment and survival of seedlings. Hitherto, such investigations have been carried out in populations of several taxa, such as Carex davalliana L. The main goals were focused on the evaluation of the influence of site conditions on: (1) the variability of life-history traits such as production of generative shoots, flowers, fruits and seeds; (2) the number and survivorship of seedlings in continuous plant cover and in artificially made gaps

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