Clonal growth and storage in relation to competition in genets of the rhizomatous perennial <i>Amphibromus scabrivalvis</i>

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 paren...