Height convergence in response to neighbour growth: genotypic differences in the stoloniferous plant Potentilla reptans

Abstract

Summary Using a new experimental set up, the way in which height growth of stoloniferous plants is adjusted to that of their neighbours, as well as differences between genotypes in their ability to keep up with neighbour height growth were tested. Five Potentilla reptans genotypes inherently differing in petiole length were subjected to three experimental light gradients, involving light intensity and red : far‐red ratio. Each plant was placed in a vertically adjustable cylinder of green foil, and the treatments differed in the speed of cylinder height increase and final height. Total weight of plants decreased from the ‘Slow’ to the ‘Fast’ treatment, while petiole length increased. Leaves reaching the top of the cylinder stopped petiole elongation, resulting in similar final heights for all genotypes in the ‘Slow’ treatment. In the ‘Fast’ treatment only the fastest‐growing genotype maintained its position in the top of the cylinder and genotypes differed strongly in final height within the cylinders. Plants adjust their height growth to that of the surrounding vegetation, leading to height convergence in short light gradients that slowly increase. These adjustments and genotypic differences in ability to keep up with fast‐growing neighbours can influence the outcome of competition for light.

Plasticity as a plastic response: how submergence‐induced leaf elongation in Rumex palustris depends on light and nutrient availability in its early life stage

“…Under natural conditions these costs associated with elongation can be compensated by the increased resource uptake after elongation has taken place (Huber & Wiggerman, 1997; Weijschede et al. , 2006, 2008b; Vermeulen et al. , 2008; Chen et al.…”

Is analysing the nitrogen use at the plant canopy level a matter of choosing the right optimization criterion?

“…This can be achieved through either phenotypic manipulation or genetic transformation. An example is provided by studies that used these techniques to successfully test the supposed density dependence of fitness consequences of stem elongation (see Schmitt et al 1999; Vermeulen et al 2008). …”

The dynamic relationship between plant architecture and competition

“…Maliakal et al (1999) working with I. capensis and Ballaré et al (1991) with Amaranthus quitensis both report that stimulation of height growth does not cause a reduction in root or leaf growth. On the other hand, Vermeulen et al (2008a) found through experimental manipulation of R:FR, an increase in petiole length and petiole mass for Potentilla reptans but decrease in root, stolon, and total biomass. They also report that petiole length can be limited by the productive capacity of plants.…”