Study On Seedling Establishment Process Of Apiaceae Species From The Eastern Qinghai-tibetan Plateau

In this study, we used18common species of Apiaceae from the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to study the effects of different light intensities and seed size on the process of seedling establishment under field conditions. The results showed:(1)Light intensity had a larger effect on the emergence period than the survival and establishment period.(2)There were16species that had the highest emergence, establishment rate in the35%or67%light intensity condition, suggesting that seedling establishment of these species need to be shaded moderately. The rest2species had the highest emergence, establishment rate in the high light intensity condition, suggesting they were the pioneer species.(3)Seed size and seedling emergence, establishment rate had a negative correlation. The plant species having small seeds had a higher seedling emergence and establishment rate than those having large seeds.(4)Different light intensity affected the relationship between seed size and seedling emergence, establishment rate. Low light intensity conditions significantly inhibited the negative correlation so strong that made it reduced to a non-significant level.