Correlated variation of floral and leaf traits along a moisture availability gradient

Abstract

Variation in flower size is an important aspect of a plant's life history, yet few studies have shown how flower size varies with environmental conditions and to what extent foliar responses to the environment are correlated with flower size. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a theoretical framework for linking flower size and leaf size to their costs and benefits, as assessed using foliar stable carbon isotope ratio (delta(13)C) under varying degrees of water limitation, and then (2) examine how variation in flower size within and among species growing along a naturally occurring moisture availability gradient correlates with variation in delta(13)C and leaf size. Five plant species were examined at three sites in Oregon. Intra- and inter-specific patterns of flower size in relation to moisture availability were the same: the ratios of the area of flower display to total leaf area and of individual flower area to leaf area were greater at sites with more soil moisture compared to those sites with less soil moisture. The increase in flower area per unit increase in leaf area was greater at sites with more soil moisture than at sites where water deficit can occur. Values of delta(13)C, an index of water-use efficiency, were greater for plants with larger floral size. The patterns we observed generalize across species, irrespective of overall plant morphology or pollination system. These correlations between flower size, moisture availability, and delta(13)C suggest that water loss from flowers can influence leaf responses to the environment, which in turn may indirectly mediate an effect on flower size.

Effect of Drying on the Antioxidant Capacity and Concentration of Phenolic Compounds in Different Parts of the Erythrina americana Tree

“…On the other hand, the leaves of E. americana presented lower moisture levels than the leaves of E. crista (Maisuthisakul et al 2008). However, in comparison with the other parts of the tree, the moisture content is lower than the flowers at the several developmental stages, due principally to the dynamic water interchange in the leaves that regulate the evaporative demand of water (Lambrecht and Dawson 2007). The moisture content in the leaves is higher and more stable than in the tree bark.…”

Genetic Diversity and Taxonomic Studies of Allium Akaka and A. Elburzense Native to Iran Using Morphological Characters

“…Accessions A1 and A2 of A. akaka produced large leaves, bulbs and seeds (leaf length and width, bulb height and width, bulb fresh and dry weight, weight 100 seed, seed L/W, seed length, width and thickness) and had the largest flower number in umbel, inflorescence diameter and leaf TSS. The inflorescence diameter is a fascinating context involving in all levels of research with respect to phylogeny and taxonomy (MytnikEjsmont et al 2015), ornamental applications (De Souza et al 2012) and biological aspects (Fabbro & Korner 2004;Lambrecht & Dawson 2007). Accession A3 had high leaf dry weight, bulb fresh and dry weight, bulb width and height, weight 100 seed, seed width, seed L/W and seed thickness.…”

Giant Flowers of Southern Magnolia Are Hydrated by the Xylem

“…Most investigations of how flowers orchestrate reproductive processes have focused on developmental biology and biochemical mechanisms operating inside flowers (Franklin-Tong and Franklin, 2003;Glover, 2007). Although such approaches have been successful in understanding the inner workings of flowers, the function of flowers is linked to processes operating in the rest of the plant (Galen, 2005;Lambrecht and Dawson, 2007). As such, the physiological mechanisms that make reproduction possible in the face of environmental stresses are best understood through studies that integrate reproductive and vegetative physiology.…”