Resource allocation in young plants of two perennial species of Plantago

Abstract

Growth patterns and biomass allocation to component plant parts in Plantago major and P. rugelii were compared under greenhouse conditions. Within 3 months of germination individuals of P. major were larger and had devoted more dry weight to seed and production of ramets than those of P. rugelii regardless of the number and kind of neighbours. No significant differences in percent resource allocation to roots, caudex, leaves, and spikes were observed between plants of P. major subjected to increased interference, although the actual biomass and number of leaves and spikes were reduced. Mean reproductive (spike) allocation in P. major was about 21%. Although the root biomass within a treatment was similar for the two species, the percent allocation to roots in P. rugelii was two and one-half times greater. Growth of P. major was depressed more by intraspecific neighbours and of P. rugelii by interspecific neighbours. These perennial herbs exhibit disparate allocation patterns as young plants that suggest adaptations to different temporary environments. Plantago major, with its early and sustained diversion of biomass to seed production, is distinctly adapted to exploitation of frequently disturbed sites, while P. rugelii, because of its more extensive root allocation and delayed seed production, seems better adapted to less frequent disturbance.

Genetic analysis of ecological relevant morphological variability in Plantago lanceolata L. I Population characteristics

“…Venable (1984) and Bradshaw (1984) have given a review of recent studies concerning the genetic background of life history variation. Studies concerning the resource allocation in two related Plantago species (P. major and P. rugelli) e.g., showed the existence of adaptations to the level of habitat disturbance (Hawthorn and Cavers, 1978). In the predominantly inbreeding species Piantago major it was found that each population is adapted to its specific habitat: the total genetic variability for morphological characters consisted of a large interpopulational component and a comparatively small intrapopulational component (Van Dijk, 1985;Wolff, in preparation).…”

Life History Variation of Common Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus): II. Plant Size, Biomass Partitioning and Morphology

“…Reproductive effort, the proportion of an individual's resources which are devoted to reproduction, is of particular theoretical interest (Harper 1967;MacArthur & Wilson 1967;Gadgil & Bossert 1970;Harper & Ogden 1970;Gadgil & Solbrig 1972) and hence has been described for many species (Abrahamson & Gadgil 1973;Gaines et al 1974;Hickman 1975; van Andel & Vera 1977;Holler & Abrahamson 1977;Roos & Quinn 1977;Hawthorn & Cavers 1978;Bostock & Benton 1979). Reproductive effort has almost invariably been measured by describing biomass or energy allocation, two traits which are highly correlated in plants (Hickman & Pitelka 1975).…”

Length of the pre‐reproductive period of Plantago asiatica L. from different latitudes

“…Large plants will have greater competitive ability for resources in the next growing season. As a result, a long pre‐reproductive period leads to large quantities of seeds in the following year (Hawthorn & Cavers 1978; Kuiper & Bos 1992).…”

“…A counterbalance of advantages on the time of this switch can be noticed in relation to the length of the vegetative season and winter cold (Hawthorn & Cavers 1978; Kuiper & Bos 1992). An early switch to a generative phase will ensure progeny production when the season is short and the probability for surviving winter is low.…”