The presence of a below-ground neighbour alters within-plant seed size distribution in Phaseolus vulgaris.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Considerable variation in seed size commonly exists within plants, and is believed to be favoured under natural selection. This study aims to examine the extent to which seed size distribution depends on the presence of competing neighbour plants.

Methods

Phaseolus vulgaris plants rooting with or without a conspecific neighbour were grown in soil with high or low nutrient availability. Seeds were harvested at the end of the growth cycle, the total nitrogen and phosphorus invested in seed production were measured and within-plant seed size distribution was quantified using a set of statistical descriptors.

Key results

Exposure to neighbours' roots induced significant changes in seed size distribution. Plants produced proportionally more large seeds

SUBMITTER: Chen BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4171071 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature