Variation in Seed and Seedling Size in Anthoxanthum odoratum

Success at the juvenile stage of the life cycle may have important consequences for the size-hierarchies and distribution patterns of adult plants. This study was designed to evaluate the factors contributing to variation in seed and seedling size in Anthoxanthum ordoratum. In experiments in the greenhouse and within the natural habitat of this species, significant differences in seed weight were found among inflorescences and maternal half-sib families, and marginal differences were found among populations. Larger seeds had a higher probability of germinating and individuals from them had a longer leaf length as juveniles. Covariate analysis showed that differences among populations in leaf length were caused by population differences in seed weight. Root growth was studied using plexiglass root boxes. Individuals from larger seeds tended to produce longer roots, and there were no differences among populations, maternal families, or inflorescences for root length.