Factors affecting survivorship, growth, and fruit production in a beach population of Xanthium strumarium

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Abstract
In a beach population [Ontario, Canada] of X. strumarium, the effects of density, seedling emergence date and soil moisture on seeding survivorship, plant growth, and fruit production were assessed. Seedling survival was largely density independent, while growth and fruit production declined significantly with increased density. Delayed seedling emergence resulted in significantly lowered survival but exhibited no significant effects on fruit production. Soil moisture was correlated positively with seedling survival, growth and fruit production. Blowing sand was noted as an important cause of seedling mortality. Increased survival in areas of high soil moisture apparently resulted because of an absence of blowing sand in these areas. Consistent with a lack of density-dependent mortality, the density-yield relationship for the population had a slope near -1 and not -3/2. Hierarchy in fruit production among plants was least developed in areas of high plant density.

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