| Abstract Detail
Ecophysiology Blain-Hartung, Matthew [1], Drummond, Boyce A. [1], Heschel, Shane [1]. Ecophysiology of Seed Germination in the Colorado Liatris punctata. Liatris punctata is a perennial forb found in drier habitats of the central plains of North America from southern Canada to Texas. In Colorado, L. punctata populations are of special interest because flowers of this plant are the primary adult food source of the Pawnee montane skipper butterfly (Hesperus leonardus montana), a species listed as threatened by the USFWS because of its limited geographical range, small population size, and narrow habitat requirements (USFWS 2000). Successful recovery of the butterfly depends on regeneration of L. punctata in burned areas, yet little is known about the ecophysiology of seed germination of this species. By determining what factors promote seed germination in Liatris punctata, we hope to better inform recovery efforts that depend on re-seeding of burned areas with Liatris punctata. Ponderosa pine/blue grama habitats with healthy populations of L. punctata have been shown to promote population growth of the skipper butterfly (Drummond 2008). This study tests the effects of light quality, gibberillic acid (GA4+7), and smoke exposure on seed germination of L. punctata during late spring conditions. Liatris punctata that germinates during the late spring reaches full flowering at the time of peak abundance of the skipper butterfly in the late summer. Also, a comparison was made of germination rates between L. punctata seeds collected from a colder site versus a more exposed, warmer site with regard to different light and smoke conditions. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Colorado College, Biology, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
Keywords:
seed germination
plant growth regulator.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEP002
Abstract ID:433 |
