Germination Ecology of Ledum Groenlandicum and Ledum Palustre SSP. Decumbens

Abstract

Optimal substrate conditions for germination and establishment of Ledum groenlandicum include pH around 5.5, mean daily temperatures ≥ 17°C, no shading, and constant moisture. Seed longevity of L. groenlandicum was not pronounced, and most seed lost viability within a year. Although closely related, L. groenlandicum and L. palustre ssp. decumbens had significantly different rates of germination, with 94.3% of the total germination occurring within 12 d for 1-mon-old seed of L. palustre ssp. decumbens, while the corresponding value for groenlandicum was 36.4%. Both species require light in order to germinate, although germination of L. groenlandicum was reduced in far-red rich light regimes while that of L. palustre ssp. decumbens was not.