Morphological variation among hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) populations

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to examine morphological variation among hemp dogbane populations. Rootstocks collected from 16 sites throughout Michigan and Illinois were used to establish nurseries in East Lansing, MI, and Champaign, IL. Growth, stem characteristics, and leaf characteristics were measured for each ecotype at both nurseries. Differences among ecotypes were observed for all measurements except emergence date and growing degree days to emergence. The number of shoots per plot produced by the ecotypes ranged from 5 to 54 and shoot height ranged from 69 to 126 cm. Ecotypes spread laterally at different rates, with the most aggressive covering 19 times more ground area than the least aggressive. Total shoot dry weight accumulation varied greatly among ecotypes. Some ecotypes could be identified from others by their unique leaf shape. Shoot number, shoot height, and ground area covered were greater for plants grown in Michigan than in Illinois. Differences in growth and morphological characteristics among ecotypes were not correlated with the geographical region where they were collected. Differences in measurements between the two nurseries illustrate the role of environment and genetics in the growth and morphology of this plant species.