Seed Weight Effects on Growth and Reproduction in Oenothera biennis L.

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Abstract
The effects of differences in seed weight on growth and reproduction of Oenothera biennis, a facultative biennial, were examined in a greenhouse experiment. Seeds of known weight were sown onto two soil types to provide two microsite types. Per cent germination, survival and reproductive output were determined in relation to seed weight on each soil type. Seed weight effects were small (on seedling-rosette diameter) and did not persist beyond the fourth week after emergence. Soil type however, had an increasing effect on seedling growth and significantly affected rosette growth rate, final plant size and the proportion of plants flowering. There was also significant variation in the average seed weight produced in the progeny that could not be accounted for by plant size or emergence time. The effect of seed weight variation on establishment and persistence in variable environments is discussed.