Anomalies in the structure of Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. (= S. salina J. et C. Presl) seeds in the area affected by soda industry in Kujawy (Central Poland)

Abstract

In some populations of Spergularia marina round soda industry waste-dumps in Kujawy more than 90% seeds have been found to be anomalous, incapable of germination. The outline of the seeds is apparently normal, but inside they contain empty cavities. In many of them sharp, irregular outgrowths or bluntly ended structures with a chimney-like aperture pierce the seed coat from inside. With increasing distance from the sources of contamination of the environment the number of anomalies in question was observed to diminish until they disappeared altogether. However, in wet periods there were nearly 50% fewer anomalous seeds in the same stands than in dry and warm years.