The effect of accelerated sand accretion on growth, carbohydrate reserves, and ethylene production in Ammophila breviligulata (Poaceae)

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In a 3‐yr field study Ammophila breviligulata responded positively to sand accretion by maintaining plant height above a rising sand surface. Vertical growth for treated plants was approximately 80 cm over 3 yr. Bunch size did not differ between treated and control plants in the first or second year. But by Year 3, bunch circumference, number of stems per bunch, and plant height above the sand surface were significantly greater in plants receiving accelerated sand accretion. During the first year, treated plants flowered significantly less than controls. The greater vertical growth necessary for the treated plants may have depleted the energy reserves of a young rhizome system otherwise used for inflorescence production. The percent of the total nonstructural carbohydrates in rhizomes in the form of sugar was greater in plants in the accelerated sand accretion treatment, perhaps sustaining the necessary rapid vertical growth. To determine whether ethylene plays a role in stimulating stem elongation, endogenous ethylene accumulation was measured in plants in the field and seedlings in the greenhouse exposed to sand accretion. Treated plants responded by accumulating higher levels of ethylene in their stems, after 10 and/or 30 d, than did control plants. However, plants treated with exogenous ethylene exhibited growth and elongation inhibition.