Clonal growth strategy, diversity and structure: A spatiotemporal response to sedimentation in tropical Cyperus papyrus swamps

Abstract

Land degradation and soil erosion in the upper catchments of tropical lakes fringed by papyrus vegetation can result in a sediment load gradient from land to lakeward. Understanding the dynamics of clonal modules (ramets and genets) and growth strategies of plants on such a gradient in both space and time is critical for exploring a species adaptation and processes regulating population structure and differentiation. We assessed the spatial and temporal dynamics in clonal growth, diversity, and structure of an emergent macrophyte, Cyperus papyrus (papyrus), in response to two contrasting sedimentation regimes by combining morphological traits and genotype data using 20 microsatellite markers. A total of 636 ramets from six permanent plots (18 x 30 m) in three Ethiopian papyrus swamps, each with discrete sedimentation regimes (high vs. low) were sampled for two years. We found that ramets under the high sedimentation regime (HSR) were significantly clumped and denser than the sparse and spreading ramets under the low sedimentation regime (LSR). The HSR resulted in significantly different ramets with short culm height and girth diameter as compared to the LSR. These results indicated that C. papyrus ameliorates the effect of sedimentation by shifting clonal growth strategy from guerrilla (in LSR) to phalanx (in HSR). Clonal richness, size, dominance, and clonal subrange differed significantly between sediment regimes and studied time periods. Each swamp under HSR revealed a significantly high clonal richness (R = 0.80) as compared to the LSR (R = 0.48). Such discrepancy in clonal richness reflected the occurrence of initial and repeated seedling recruitment strategies as a response to different sedimentation regimes. Overall, our spatial and short-term temporal observations highlighted that HSR enhances clonal richness and decreases clonal subrange owing to repeated seedling recruitment and genets turnover.

Efektifitas Herbisida Formulasi pada Gulma Air di Lahan Rawa Tadah Hujan, Rawa Payau dan Saluran Drainase

“…Lahan rawa ini selalu tergenang sepanjang tahun, namun merupakan wilayah sedimentasi yang subur. Degradasi lahan dan erosi tanah di bagian atas area tangkapan menyebabkan sedimentasi yang umumnya subur dan merupakan lahan potensial berkembangnya gulma (Geremew et al, 2018). Umumnya gulma yang mendominasi adalah jenis rumput dan teki, sebagian kecil gulma berdaun lebar.…”

Cyperus prophyllatus: An endangered aquatic new species of Cyperus L. (Cyperaceae) with a exceptional spikelet disarticulation pattern among about 950 species, including molecular phylogenetic, anatomical and (micro)morphological data

“…Cyperus has a worldwide distribution, with about 130 species registered in Brazil, where they occur in diverse habitats and vegetation types [ 4 , 5 ]. In aquatic ecosystems, Cyperus species contribute to water purification, reducing microbiological contaminants, improving physical and chemical parameters, as well as help to control erosion and sedimentation into the waterbodies [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Clonal architectures and diversity spatial pattern of different ploidies for Clintonia udensis in the Hualongshan Mountains

“…Angiosperms can reproduce not only through sexual reproduction, but also simultaneously with asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, the clonal growth of the organisms is the most important pathway (Geremew et al, 2018;Mandel et al, 2019;Sandén et al, 2020). It is estimated that~80% of angiosperms can engage in clonal growth (Wang et al, 2010;Geremew et al, 2018;Wang et al, 2018a).…”

“…In asexual reproduction, the clonal growth of the organisms is the most important pathway (Geremew et al, 2018;Mandel et al, 2019;Sandén et al, 2020). It is estimated that~80% of angiosperms can engage in clonal growth (Wang et al, 2010;Geremew et al, 2018;Wang et al, 2018a). Clonal plants general occupy dominant positions in forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and other habitats, can expand their living space through clonal growth, and exhibit more morphological plasticity through clonal ramets.…”

“…Meanwhile, clonal plants have a greater capacity to utilize resources in adapting to heterogeneous environments, and play a critical role in the maintenance of ecosystems (Kartzinel et al, 2015;Van Drunen et al, 2015;Wang et al, 2018a). Therefore, the growth characteristics and spatial structure of clonal plants have been a topic of intense interest in ecology and evolution research (Chen et al, 2016;Geremew et al, 2018;Wang et al, 2018a).…”