Late snowmelt delays plant development and results in lower reproductive success in the High Arctic

▶ Fences were used in an experiment in High Arctic Svalbard to enhance snow build-up which led to delayed snow-melt. ▶ This delayed the phenological development of vascular plant species, with greatest effect immediately after snowmelt. The length of growing season and reproductive period were reduced for many species. ▶ Delayed snow melt also resulted in fewer flowers, fewer dispersing seeds and reduced seed viability. ▶ Differing responses of arctic species to changes in snow-melt date are expected to affect their competitive advantage in an uncertain and changing future climate.