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Sexual Compatibility And Seed Germination In Nolana Species, Amy C. Douglas

Master's Theses and Capstones

Nolana L.f. is a large, diverse genus in the Solanaceae endemic to coastal deserts of Peru and Chile. Large showy flowers and drought tolerance give Nolana great potential for breeding and cultivar development for the ornamental plant industry. As a precursor to breeding efforts, studies of floral development, sexual compatibility, and seed germination were conducted involving eight Nolana species (N. adansonii, K aticoana, N. elegans, N. humijusa, N. ivaniana, N. laxa, N. plicata, N. rupicola) cultivated at UNH.

Stigma receptivity and pollen viability were evaluated at a range of stages of flower development. Floral development keys were developed to provide …

Can Plant Competition And Diversity Reduce The Success Of Exotic Phragmites Australis Invading A Salt Marsh?, Christopher R. Peter

Master's Theses and Capstones

The rapid proliferation of invasive Phragmites australis in New England has challenged resource managers to curb its expansion and reduce the loss of functional salt marsh. The interactive effects of sediment elevation, nutrient additions and community structure (plant competition and diversity) on the success and health of Phragmites were examined within a salt marsh in Hampton, NH. Along with four native halophytes, Phragmites was transplanted to vegetation plots (0.09 m2) comprising three community structure types (Phragmites alone, PA+1sp., PA+4spp.). Plots were arranged across elevation and nutrient enrichment gradients. Elevation and fertilization had no effect on Phragmites success, likely due to …