Study of intrapopulation variability of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn seeds

The aim of this study was to comparatively examine the characteristics of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn seeds grown in natural conditions and to assess the influence of phenotype and year of growth on seed quality.

The study was conducted by measuring morphometric traits (seed length, width, and thickness) and weight traits (seed weight, thousand‐seed weight) of natural milk thistle accessions collected at the full‐maturity stage of their heads over several years (2015–2018) in a natural population.

A study of the morphological traits of milk thistle accessions revealed phenotypic differences between years. The greatest differences were observed in seed width, thickness, and seed weight, which are related to seed fullness.

Intrapopulation variability in the studied parameters was identified, driven by the influence of seed coat color and year of sample collection. The dynamics of 1,000‐seed weight were also determined depending on the factors considered. The study's results are important for understanding the biomorphological characteristics of S. marianum, as well as for addressing issues in medicinal plant seed production. 

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