Experimental Ecological Genetics in Plantago: X. The Effects of Maternal Temperature on Seed and Seedling Characters in P. Lanceolata

(1) The importance of temperature experienced during seed maturation (maternal environment) and during germination and seedling growth (progeny environment) on seed and seedling characters was examined in four maternal half-sib families of Plantago lanceolata. (2) High maternal temperatures decreased seed weight and increased the percentage germination and an index of germination rate. (3) Families of P. lanceolata responded to the maternal and progeny environments in different ways. (4) The effects of maternal treatments on seed weight, percentage germination, and an index of germination rate were detectable in a second generation.