Germination of proximal and distal seeds of Poa trivialis L. from contrasting habitats

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Abstract
Summary: Seeds of Poa trivialis L. were collected from one grassland and two arable habitats. Seeds from the grassland population were less dormant than the arable populations. Distal (upper) seeds were consistently more dormant than proximal (basal) seeds. Dry storage at 4°C and 15°C for 4 weeks after shedding resulted in a slightly greater loss of dormancy than storage at 23°C. Germination was enhanced by subjecting seeds stored at 15°C to repeated hydration and dehydration cycles. Germination of P. trivialis seeds was density‐dependent. Germination of distal seeds was particularly impaired at high densities. The ecological implications of these results are discussed in relation to seed survival strategies.