Abstract
Life history and population dynamics were examined for an annual halophyte, Atriplex triangularis Willd., in an inland salt marsh at Rittman, Ohio. The effect of salinity and precipitation on survival, growth, and reproduction of Atriplex triangularis under field conditions was determined. Early germination enhanced the possibility of survival and reproduction of this species. No distinct ecotypes were found, but various populations demonstrated different degrees of phenotypic plasticity in response to salinity, indicating that genetic selection for plasticity in growth response is taking place along the salinity gradient. Most seeds fell directly below the parent plant, but a small number was found in traps up to 0.5 meter from fruiting individuals. High temperature, salinity, and darkness individually, and in combination, inhibited the germination of small seeds more than large seeds.
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We acknowledge the thoughtful comments made by Dr. Warren A. Wistendahl and Brian C. McCarthy on an earlier draft of the manuscript. Thanks are also due to Morton Salt Company, Rittman, Ohio, for permission to conduct research on their property. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation Grant DEB-79-27236.
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Khan, M.A., Ungar, I.A. Life history and population dynamics of Atriplex triangularis . Vegetatio 66, 17–25 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00044079
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00044079