Maternal effects in progeny of field pansy (Viola arvensis) subjected to different herbicide and nitrogen rates.

Abstract

Observations were made on the effects of reduced rates of herbicide and nitrogen on naturally occurring populations of Viola arvensis. Progeny arising from these plants were grown in a uniform environment and monitored through to maturity. The size and number of reproductive structures produced by the maternal plants were positively correlated with the maternal plant weight. Herbicide dose affected the plant height of offspring and the effects were more pronounced in those from plants which had received 160 kg N ha^-1 than 40 kg N ha^-I. Although the maternal effects on offspring size diminished with time, the number of reproductive structures in the offspring was significantly correlated with plant height during early development. Increased nitrogen availability to the maternal plant in the absence of herbicide may therefore increase the overall productivity of the subsequent generation.