Assessing the haplotype and spectro-functional traits interactions to explore the intraspecific diversity of common reed in Central Italy

Abstract

As reflectance measured via remote sensing is connected to plant light use and morpho-structural features, it can be used to derive spectral proxies of functional traits, or spectro-functional traits. Focusing on disentangling intraspecific trait variability in nature, we evaluated the links between haplotype and spectro-functional traits in Phragmites australis populations. Haplotypes sequencing and multi-seasonal satellite data were used to evaluate the temporal dynamics of spectro-functional traits for reed stands sampled from seven wetlands in Central Italy, investigating meteo-climatic drivers, the differences across ecological statuses, sites, and haplotypes, and quantifying intraspecific variability due to haplotype or phenotypic plasticity. Five haplotypes were identified, including an unedited one, which explained a substantial portion of intraspecific variability in canopy traits, differing for aquatic and terrestrial stands. We found that meteo-climatic factors impact on aquatic reeds traits (not over terrestrial ones) and a dualism between most and less common haplotypes, pointing to different evolutionary strategies. Dynamics in reed canopy traits were linked to ecological status, site and haplotype, with signs of haplotype-variable effects of dieback on aquatic stands. Evaluating the spectro-functional variability over reed haplotypes may provide a straightforward approach for monitoring the genotype–phenotype relations across scales and assessing their ecological drivers.