Dynamics of distribution and performance of ramets constructing genets: a demographic-genetic study in a clonal plant, Convallaria keiskei.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

In clonal plants producing vegetative offspring, performance at the genet level as well as at the ramet level should be investigated in order to understand the entire picture of the population dynamics and the life history characteristics. In this study, demography, including reproduction and survival, the growth patterns and the spatial distributions of ramets within genets of the clonal herb Convallaria keiskei were explored.

Methods

Vegetative growth, flowering and survival of shoots whose genets were identified using microsatellite markers were monitored in four study plots for 3 years (2003-2005). The size structures of ramets in genets and their temporal shifts were then analysed. Their spatial distributions were also examined.

Key results

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SUBMITTER: Araki K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2706722 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature