Changes in the growth and reproduction of a clonal plant as a result of disruption of mycorrhizal network

Martyna Dominiak-Świgoń,Marlena Lembicz,Zbigniew Kasprzykowski

doi:10.35535/pfsyst-2021-0017

Martyna Dominiak-Świgoń, Marlena Lembicz + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.35535/pfsyst-2021-0017

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Abstract

In a clonal network, a mother plant is connected with daughter ramets. During network development, new ramets may encounter barriers that disrupt network integrity. As a result, resource allocation within a network is disturbed. In this study, the effect of network integrity disruption on the size of ramets and their sexual reproduction was investigated in mouse-ear hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella). Three types of networks were formed experimentally with unlimited resource allocation, with limited resource allocation between a mother plant and its daughter ramets and with limited resource allocation between all ramets. Networks were either supported by the presence of a mycorrhizal fungus or restricted by its absence. We found that the size of the mother and the effectiveness of sexual reproduction did not differ among network types. The length and dry mass of runners were higher in cases with limited resource exchange between a mother plant and its daughters. In the clonal plant network without any barriers to connection, a higher number of rosettes and lower dry mass of daughters were recorded. The mean number of daughter flowers did not differ among the network types. Mycorrhizal network is one of the most important factors for the sexual reproduction of clonal plants. With a reduced mycorrhizal network, plants invested in clonal growth.

Highlights

Many types of organisms form network structures in nature
Two growth forms can be identified in clonal plants: phalanx and guerrilla
The growth form of an individual may change depending on the habitat and the individual’s age (e.g., Pirożnikow 1993; Li et al 2015)

Summary

Introduction

Many vascular plant species that are clonal plants form networks (van Groenendael & de Kroon 1990). These networks consist of interconnected units (ramets) (Harper 1977). The length and frequency of connections differ depending on the species (Lovett-Doust 1981; Harper 1986). Two growth forms can be identified in clonal plants: phalanx and guerrilla. The phalanx growth form is characterized by short, strongly branched connections, while in the guerrilla growth form, the connections are longer and more weakly branched (Lovett-Doust 1981; Harper 1986). The growth form of an individual may change depending on the habitat and the individual’s age (e.g., Pirożnikow 1993; Li et al 2015)

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