We examined whether the presence or absence of different environmental
stressors influenced the reproductive potential of a saltmarsh species -
Plantago maritima. We focused on total seed output, seed quality and
biomass of progeny. So far, there are no studies trying to answer the
question of how different saltmarsh management affects the quality of
seed in saltmarsh species. For the purposes of the study, plots
subjected to light mowing, light or heavy grazing, trampling or rooting
were designated in three nature reserves in Poland. On each plot, the
abundance of infructescences per sq. metre was calculated. Mature
infructascences were collected and their length and no of fruit capsules
were measured. The seeds obtained from fruit capsules were weighted and
sown in controlled conditions. The germination rate and the final
germination percentage were calculated. A representative number of
sprouts were grown. After a period of two months, the specimens were
harvested and their total dry mass was measured. It was found that heavy
grazing had the greatest effect on all of the studied characteristics.
The presence of this factor resulted in shorter infructescences with a
smaller number of fruit capsules. However, this phenomenon was
compensated by the higher abundance of infructescences per sq. metre. At
the same time seeds produced by grazed specimens were significantly
lighter. Intensive trampling by people affected specimens in a similar
way to heavy grazing, while mowing and rooting had less impact on the
considered characteristics. Although a positive correlation between seed
mass and germination success was found, the altogether lower seed mass
had a negligible effect on germination parameters. Also, the differences
in seed parameters did not affect dry mass of obtained progeny grown in
lab conditions.