Abstract
As an intact clone (one genotype) of Trifolium repens (white clover) grows through a sward, parts of the stolon decay and fragments (ramets) are transplanted into different microenvironments. This common garden study was done to assess the impact this placement has on further development and growth of the new ramets. Genets of T. repens were sampled from each of four origins: from areas in an old pasture dominated by Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, and Lolium perenne, and from seed. Trifolium from each origin was transplanted into each of three grass beds (Dactylis, Holcus, and Lolium) with three replicates. Cuttings were taken annually for 4 years from all the clovers, transplanted into pots, grown for 10–15 weeks, and a number of morphological characters were measured. There was little indication that individuals of Trifolium grow best in their "home" neighborhoods. Most variation in the data was the result of within-genet variation, i.e., phenotypic plasticity, a response assuring survival in environments that vary over time and space. The effects of grass neighbors on Trifolium is mainly expressed as size differences and the effect of origins and genets mainly as differences in shape. The latter is due, in part at least, to different growth rates of parts relative to each other, the former to all growth rates being modified in a similar fashion. Because origins and genets have a longer history than treatments, these results argue for an evolutionary sequence of first size followed by shape differences. Key words: Trifolium repens, phenotypic plasticity, development, neighborhood effects.
Published Version
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