Growth-specific phytomass allocation in Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum as influenced by CAM induction in the field

Abstract

The implications for growth-specific resource allocation and the C 3 to Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) shift in Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum were studied in the field. The C 3 to CAM shift occurs during flowering and fruiting stages allowing for a delayed shift of phytomass from leaf to sexual organs. This behaviour enables the plants to accumulate the additional resources necessary for maximizing the reproductive output. This attribute in the life cycle of Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum allows its dominance over other annual plants growing at the study site in the deltaic Mediterranean coast of Egypt.