Abstract
Clonal plants grow horizontally by producing multiple physiological individuals (ramets). We studied clonal growth in a homogeneous environment using a dynamic spatial model based on a stochastic cellular automaton. We investigated different growth forms from the aspect of ramet mortality. Non-steady-state and quasi-steady-state cases were defined, and we determined the number of steps suitable for making a reliable difference between these two types of cases. This given number of steps was used when testing for the proportion of quasi-steady-state cases in 1000 repetitions. We also tested the efficiency of occupation in these cases. Our expectation was that higher occupation would be associated with lower ramet mortality. The results only partially verified this hypothesis. Though with increasing ramet mortality, the average number of ramets tended to decrease, it was not the lowest ramet mortality that resulted in the highest occupation. Our results showed that very low ramet mortality was unfavourable for the plant, as the spreading front and the area behind this front were so packed that the plant was not able to return and recolonize the vacated sites in the central area. This resulted in a lower proportion of quasi-steady-state cases and lower occupation in these cases. Our results may contribute to a deeper understanding of clonal plant growth and its limiting factors.
Highlights
In clonal plants, a whole plant developed from a single zygote is referred to as a “genet”, and it often consists of a number of clonally formed offspring, referred to “ramets”
We investigated the effects of ramet mortality on clonal growth by means of a model, based on a cellular automaton
Our expectation was that higher ramet mortality would be associated with lower occupation
Summary
A whole plant developed from a single zygote is referred to as a “genet”, and it often consists of a number of clonally formed offspring, referred to “ramets”. This terminology was coined by Kays and Harper (1974). Each ramet has the potential to perform all biological functions necessary for the survival and reproduction of a whole plant. In this respect, a fully established ramet can be regarded as an individual (Liu et al 2016).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
