Seedling performance of Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Plant growth parameters are known to vary considerably within and between populations. However, few studies, have investigated seedling growth variations and their consequences on seedling performance. In the current study, the performance of the North American native Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asteraceae: EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants) was studied amongst populations. Seeds were collected from nine populations from Western Europe and were sown in growth chambers with warmer and colder temperature treatments. During the seedling growth phrase, plant growth parameters including foliage cover and above ground biomass were measured. A high variability was seen where variation was determined by the mother plant and population source. Latitude did not have any effect. Temperature, population source and the identity of the mother plant had a significant effect on seedling performance.
Sources
Ortmans W, Mahy G, Monty A (2016) Effects of seed traits variation on seedling performance of the invasive weed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Acta Oecologia, 71 39-46.