Phenology and survival of sporophytes in Dutch populations of Buxbaumia aphylla

Abstract

Two Dutch populations of Buxbaumia aphylla (Nunspeet and Elspeet) were studied for two generations (2014–2015 and 2015–2016). At both sites the number and developmental stages of sporophytes were frequently recorded and sporophyte maturity indices and survival rates were determined. The timing of sporophyte development was similar between the two generations but differed between the growth sites with earlier sporophyte development at Nunspeet. The growth sites are located close to each other and share the same climate and soil characteristics. The growth site at Nunspeet, however, is shaded and consequently a higher soil moisture early in the season might explain early sporophyte development. Sporophyte survival was extremely low, especially at Nunspeet (0.4% and 0.9% in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 respectively) due to fungi and, possibly, slugs and birds.