Abstract

The need for improved knowledge on conservation and management of cycad species has generated recent interest in compiling a database on leaf nutrient concentrations. However, the sampling protocols have not been consistent among reports and the influences of some plant and habitat traits on the plasticity of cycad leaf nutrient concentrations has not been adequately determined. We used Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill trees to determine the role of incident light level and leaf age on leaflet content of 11 essential elements. Shade leaves exhibited increased mass-based concentration for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium above that of sun leaves. Shade leaves exhibited decreased area-based concentration for all of the macro- and micronutrients below that of sun leaves. Mass-based concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium decreased with leaf age, and that of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc increased with leaf age. These findings indicate the relative leaf age and the amount of shade or incident light at the leaf level must be recorded and reported for leaf tissue studies in cycads in order to reduce ambiguity and ensure repeatability.

Highlights

  • Cycad plants are unique gymnosperms and more focused studies into cycad biology, ecology, and horticulture may inform contemporary research agendas [1,2]

  • We argue that there is a need to standardize sampling protocols and conduct more case studies to fully understand what controls leaf nutrient status of cycad species and to compare these traits with other gymnosperm and angiosperm taxa [3]

  • The level of sun exposure of sampled leaves exerted a strong influence on leaf tissue results

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Summary

Introduction

Cycad plants are unique gymnosperms and more focused studies into cycad biology, ecology, and horticulture may inform contemporary research agendas [1,2]. An interest in cycad horticulture and conservation has prompted recent research into leaf nutrient concentrations. We argue that there is a need to standardize sampling protocols and conduct more case studies to fully understand what controls leaf nutrient status of cycad species and to compare these traits with other gymnosperm and angiosperm taxa [3]. We have recently shown that plant size [4] and position of leaflet along the rachis [5] are two plant traits that should be recorded to ensure repeatable methods in cycad leaf nutrient studies. The nutrient status of the soils within the leaf umbrella of the sampled plants needs to be quantified and reported, as this soil differs in nutrient content from that of the bulk community soil [6]

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