Model-assisted integration of genetic and environmental constraints in the design of root system architecture for optimal water capture

The subject of study was the population of critical endangered species with arcto-alpine distribution—Arctous alpina (L.) Nied. (Ericaceae). The aim of this work was the acquirement of the information about generative reproduction of the species. During the research we used regular non-destructive methods of population biology. Inquiries of terrain data were realized by random choice in the population in Belianske Tatry Mts (Northern Slovakia). We made out a variable number of flowers on the ramet. Generative reproduction potential of population was very low. Average width of fruits was 6.98 mm and length 8.8 mm. Average fruits' mass was 0.268 g. Average mass of one fruit's seeds 0.029 g represents 10.82% of average fruits' mass. In every fruit was found 5 seeds. The presence of at least one aborted seed was registered in 55.2% of the whole number of fruits. We observed no seedlings at the locality. The population survives through vegetative reproduction. The most important reasons of abortive generative reproduction are climatic conditions at the time of flowering, too low number of safe sites, necessary of mycorhizas and endozoochory type of spreading, plants' species competition and influence of chamois. This work was supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency under the contract No. LPP-0125-07