Density‐mediated Seed and Stolon Production in Viola (Violaceae)

Seed and stolon production and spatial distribution were studied in two populations of Viola blanda and two populations of Viola rostrata in West Virginia. Mean individual plant biomass and the proportion of the population producing seeds and/or stolons both decreased with density. Both species possessed a characteristic “threshold” weight required before the onset of seed production; a similar minimum threshold weight was also reached before stolons were produced. It is suggested that competition at higher densities results in fewer individuals reaching the threshold weight for seed or stolon production. Thus, the density response appears as a reduction in the proportion of plants producing seeds or stolons.