Differentiation of morphological traits of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) originating from different stands

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of pH and soil chemical composition on morphological traits of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.). A two-year study was conducted based on observations, measurements and analyses of material collected from 24 stands in the following regions: Równina Włocławska (Włocławek Plain), Wyżyna Lubelska (Lublin Upland), Padół Zamojski (Zamość Depression), Działy Grabowieckie (Grabowiec Divide) Płaskowyż Suchedniowski (Suchedniów Plateau), Wysoczyzna Siedlecka (Siedlce High Plain) and Niecka Połaniecka (Połaniec Basin). Morphological traits of tansy shoots were determined: number of plants per clump, stem length, number of leaves per plant, total leaf length, petiole length, number of branches from the main stem, number of flower heads per corymb and flower head diameter. A soil analysis was performed determining the content of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus available for plants. The soil pH was also determined. The collected results indicate significant differentiation of the investigated samples, both in terms of morphological traits of the shoots and the chemical composition of the soils. A negative correlation was found between soil pH and number of leaves per shoot as well as number of branches per corymb. A positive correlation was noted between soil pH and total leaf length as well as between magnesium content and number of flower heads per corymb. The increased content of available phosphorus in the soil was associated with petiole shortening. A growth trend in the tansy shoot length was observed at larger amounts of available magnesium in the soil. On soils with low nutrient availability and a low pH, a reduced population density of the species in question was observed.