Role of Clonal Integration among Different Environmental Conditions (A Review)

Wajahat Husain Jaafry,Dezhi Li,Syeda Amber Fatima,Muhammad Hassan

doi:10.4236/ns.2016.811049

Abstract

Most of the ecosystems are dominated by clonal species. The most unique feature of clonal plants is their capability for clonal integration (translocation of vital resources among connected ramets), implying that integration may play an essential role in their success. However, a general effect of clonal integration on plant performance is lacking. We conducted a text review on the effects of clonal integration on different habitats and species. Overall, clonal integration increased performance of clonal plants in different habitats. However clonal integration has also some limitations under stressful environments. Benefits of clonal integration may lack somehow when environmental stress increases. But connected ramets placed in unfavorable patches benefited more from integration compared to severed ramet placed in nutrient rich patches. Climate change and temperature increase have positive effects on biomass of clonal species.

Highlights

In natural environment many plant species acquire some extent of clonal growth named as “clonal plants” [1] [2]
The most unique feature of clonal plants is their capability for clonal integration, implying that integration may play an essential role in their success
Role of clonal integration among the different habitats is species specific and its intensity varies in response to the degree of stress

Summary

Introduction

In natural environment many plant species acquire some extent of clonal growth named as “clonal plants” [1] [2]. In natural habitats non-clonal plants frequently allocate additional resources to root system under low availability of soil nutrients to uptake more resources from the soil [18]. On contrary clonal plants adopt the reversed approach, by allocating additional resources to the growth of root organs placed within nutrient rich patches of soil [19] [20]. This strategy may enhance the overall performance of entire clone by translocating resources from source to sink (carbon, for example), and can be shared through ramets placed elsewhere. The new ideas and research gaps still need to be explored in the field of ecology

Role of Clonal Integration at Different Environmental Stress

Role of Clonal Integration in Grazed Plants

Role of Clonal Integration Due to Climate Change in Wetlands

Role of Clonal Integration at Different Altitudes

Clonal Invasions and Its Implications

Conclusion and Future Recommendations