Biological flora of Central Europe: Rumex alpinus L.

Št'astná, Petra; Klimeš, Leoš; Klimešová, Jitka

doi:10.1016/j.ppees.2009.06.003

Cited by 26 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 30 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…For example, the recommended sampling depth for temperate grasslands is 30 cm (Mokany et al., ). This depth, while sufficient for sampling the entire rhizome biomass which is typically concentrated in the upper soil layers (Šťastná et al., ), is not enough for harvesting fine root data comprehensively (Jackson, Canadell, Mooney, Sala, & Schulze, ; Schenk & Jackson, ). This is observable from biomass data collected for fine roots and rhizomes of herbaceous communities in temperate Central Europe (Figure ).…”

Section: Biomass Allocation and Turnovermentioning

confidence: 99%

Belowground plant functional ecology: Towards an integrated perspective

2018

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract1. In recent years, belowground plant ecology has experienced a booming interest.This has resulted in major advances towards a greater understanding of belowground plant and ecosystem functioning focused on fine roots, mycorrhizal associations and nutrient acquisition.2. Despite this, other important functions (e.g., on-spot persistence, space occupancy, resprouting after biomass removal) exerted by different belowground plant organs (e.g., roots, rhizomes, bulbs) remain largely unexplored.3. Here, we propose a framework providing a comprehensive perspective on the entire set of belowground plant organs and functions. We suggest a compartment-based approach. We identify two major belowground compartments, that is, acquisitive and nonacquisitive, associated with biomass allocation into these functions. Also, we recommend the nonacquisitive compartment to be divided into structural (e.g., functional roles carried out by rhizomes, such as sharing of resources, space occupancy) and nonstructural (e.g., functional roles exerted by carbohydrates reserve affecting resprouting ability, protection against climate adversity) subcompartments. We discuss methodological challenges-and their possible solutions-posed by changes in biomass allocation across growth forms and ontogenetic stages, and in relation to biomass partitioning and turnover. 4. We urge the implementation of methods and approaches considering all the belowground plant compartments. This way, we would make sure that key, yet lessstudied functions would be incorporated into the belowground plant ecology research agenda. The framework has potential to advance the understanding of belowground plant and ecosystem functioning by considering relations and tradeoffs between different plant functions and organs. At last, we identify four major areas where using the proposed compartment-based approach would be particularly important, namely (a) biomass scaling, (b) clonality-resource acquisition relations, (c) linkages between resprouting and changing environmental conditions and (d) carbon sequestration. K E Y W O R D Sacquisitive and nonacquisitive compartments, belowground plant functions, biomass allocation and turnover, buds and carbohydrates storage, growth forms, ontogeny, rhizomes, roots

show abstract

Section: Biomass Allocation and Turnovermentioning

confidence: 99%

Belowground plant functional ecology: Towards an integrated perspective

2018

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…After rhizomes were cleaned of soil and litter, the following growth characteristics were recorded: the number of branches and the number of annual increments. Every annual increment (segment) was dated by determining (counting) its position relative to the apical end (see Klimeš 1992;Š t'astná et al 2010), and the following characteristics were assessed for each segment: segment length and width; the number of leaf traces; the number of dormant buds; the number of lateral branches; and the number of scars left by flowering stalks (Fig. 1).…”

Section: Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Altitudinal changes in the growth and allometry of Rumex alpinus

2012

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Alpine plants growing along altitudinal gradients have been traditionally considered to have reduced flowering and growth and enhanced clonality toward higher altitudes. This pattern, however, has seldom been studied for multiple characteristics in one plant species and over several years, and thus its generality is uncertain. In the present study, we used annual growth markers on perennial rhizomes (herbchronology) to analyze the long-term growth of Rumex alpinus. By determining the width and length of rhizome segments (annual increments) and the numbers of leaf scars, inflorescence scars, dormant buds, and branches preserved on rhizomes, we analyzed past growth for more than 10 years at seven sites along an altitudinal gradient (950-1,900 m a.s.l.) in the Low Tatra Mts., West Carpathians, Slovakia. We determined where growth was optimum on the gradient and whether the data supported the common opinion that clonal growth is enhanced and flowering is reduced with increasing altitude. Although R. alpinus is a light-demanding species occurring preferentially along small streams above the treeline, the most vigorous growth (highest number of leaves and inflorescences) occurred at low altitudes in forest clearings. According to expectation, R. alpinus exhibited less flowering and growth but increased clonality with increasing altitude. Low temporal inequality in growth indicates that the perennial rhizome system plays a role in buffering year to year climatic variability in the harsh environment along altitudinal gradients.

show abstract

“…The Polygonaceae family contains approximately 800 species, which are grouped into 30 genera and widely distributed all over the world (Stastn et al, 2010;Naqishbandi et al, 2009). The genus Rheum comprises about 103 species and is distributed in the temperate and sub-tropical regions (Rechinger and Schiman Czeika, 1968).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%