Seed germination and seedling establishment of Calamovilfa longifolia on Lake Huron sand dunes

Abstract

Caryopses ("seeds") of Calamovilfa longifolia (Hook.) Scribn. are dimorphic (brown and white) and are each enclosed in a lemma and palea. The most complete germination was obtained in lighted (fluorescent light of 1600 lx) growth chambers set at alternating temperatures of 25 °C day (14 h) and 10 °C night. Seed stratification did not increase total germination but the rate of germination was increased. The seeds imbibed about 50% by weight of water before germination was initiated.Under field conditions seeds accumulated in depressions. Seedlings failed to emerge from depths greater than 6 cm. The survival rate of seedlings was very low (0.5%) during 1978 because of a dry summer but was considerably higher in 1979 on south slopes (33%), under willow clumps (44%), and on north slopes (56%). Seedling mortality was due to high soil temperatures, desiccation, burial or exposure of seedlings, and biotic agents. Seedlings emerged from the soil mainly by elongation of the first internode. The coleoptile seemed to act as a protective sheath against high soil temperatures for the growing point enclosed within it. A significantly linear increase in height of seedlings, root length, and number of leaves occurred with an increase in the age of seedlings during both years.