Clonal growth and storage in relation to competition in genets of the rhizomatous perennial Amphibromus scabrivalvis

Abstract

The grass Amphibromus scabrivalvis Trin. Swallen produces new ramets from the base of established ramets (to produce a phalanx growth form) and along rhizomes (to produce a guerrilla growth form). It stores resources in stem bases. This research examined genotypic variation in clonal growth and storage and its relation to the performance of replicated genets under competition. It was hypothesized that (i) genets would vary significantly in traits important to clonal growth and storage during competition, (ii) competition would reduce clonal growth capability, (iii) guerrilla-like spacing would enhance clonal growth under competition at low competitor density, and (iv) allocation to storage organs would increase under competition. Fourteen genets of A. scabrivalvis were divided into ramets and planted into pots in the glasshouse alone or in competition with four equally distributed seedlings of Lolium perenne L., a phalanx competitor. Leaf area and mass, as well as the distance of new ramets from the parental ramet, were measured at 9 and 18 weeks. Dry mass of leaves, stem bases, rhizomes, and roots was determined at 18 weeks. Relative competition intensity, based on the difference in total mass per genet between control and competition treatments relative to the control, varied between 0.69 and 0.83. Ramet production, the proportion of the total leaf area in new ramets, and ramet distances varied significantly among genets and were reduced by competition. Mean ramet distance was positively correlated with total mass. Allocation of dry mass to storage organs was significantly increased under competition and may allow genet persistence within an occupied area. The relative ranking of genets in the control and competition treatment was not different, and there were no differences in the relative degree to which the total mass of genets was reduced by competition, despite significant variation in total mass accumulated in the absence of competition.Key words: Amphibromus scabrivalvis, clonal grass, competition, genotypic variation, guerrilla strategies, phalanx strategies, rhizomatous perennial.