Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Janssen, Eric [1], Coons, Janice [2], Coutant, Nancy [3], Edgin, Bob [4].

Survival and Reproductive Potential of the Rare Prairie Species, Silene regia, as Affected by Fertilizer and Planting Season.

Silene regia Sims (Caryophyllaceae) is a rare prairie forb that is threatened or endangered throughout much of its range.  Introductions of this species are necessary to maintain and increase S. regia populations.  Fertilization and planting season can alter survival probabilities of horticultural plant species, but few studies are found regarding their effects on native plant species in restoration projects.  We tested how seedlings grown with different fertilizer treatments (none, liquid every other week, liquid every week, and slow release) and planted in two seasons (spring vs. fall) affect the establishment and reproductive potential of S. regia plants introduced into natural prairie habitats.  Seedlings were planted in two years (2010 and 2011) at Jasper County, IL, in three prairie sites which differed in soil parameters (moisture, pH, nutrients) and plant cover. At the time of planting, seedlings grown with slow release fertilizer had the most leaves, and those grown with no fertilizer had the fewest leaves.  Plants were counted over eight survey years for survival and for reproductive potential (elongated stems, flowers, and recruits).  Survival of plants from year to year was affected most by planting season, although survey year also was important.  For survival, fertilizer also was important for those planted in 2011 during some survey years.  The percentage of original plants continued to decrease over time with 7-32% still alive after eight years depending on fertilizer and planting season.  Number of plants with elongated stems, which is where flowers are produced, and number of plants with flowers showed that survey year was the most important parameter, with fertilizer and planting season having lower importance.  Seeds collected in September 2011 from fruits on slow release plants that were planted in spring 2011 had 43-63% germination depending on sites.  Recruits were first observed four to five years after planting with a total of 40 recruits found in the last three survey years.  Overall, this information should be valuable for restoration decisions directed at management for the maintenance and increase of S. regia populations. 

1 - Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 S Oak Street, INHS, Forbes Building, Champaign, IL, 61820, US
2 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences, 305 Robin Lane, Minonk, IL, 61760
3 - Eastern Illinois University, Biological Sciences, 1612 Reynolds Dr, Charleston, IL, 61920, United States
4 - Bobby Edgin Ecological Services, 2415 Buckhorn Road, Sumner, IL, 62466

Keywords:
Silene regia
Fertilizer
Planting Season
Restoration.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2020
Time: 5:00 PM Time and date to be determined
Number: PCB001
Abstract ID:133
Candidate for Awards:None