Seed mass of biogeographically distinct populations of Impatiens parviflora DC.

Aim of the study was to compare seed mass data among and within populations of Impatiens parviflora located in Poland and Hungary. Seeds were collected from four and three distinct populations from Poland and Hungary, respectively. One of the Hungarian populations was sampled twice by distinguishing early and late seed sets, thus altogether eight seed samples were collected. From each sample five lots of 50 seeds were separated then measured with 0.01 mg accuracy. Data were statistically compared using standard univariate tests. Thousand seed mass of the studied small balsam populations ranged between 4.297 g and 7.279 g. Seed mass data were found to be similar for seven samples in the among population comparisons, but the eighth one, expressing the lightest seeds (collected at Vadálló rocks, Hungary) differed significantly from them. Grand mean of the four Polish populations was higher than grand mean of the Hungarian samples, 6.721 g and 5.968 g, respectively. Possible effect of seed mass on the colonization success of small balsam was discussed. Drought prevailing for some weeks seems to cause decrease on the seed mass of I. parviflora, but further studies are needed for satisfactory determination of this relationship.