Plasticity in Meristem Allocation as an Adaptive Strategy of a Desert Shrub under Contrasting Environments.

ABSTRACT: The pattern of resource allocation to reproduction vs. vegetative growth is a core component of a plant's life-history strategy. Plants can modify their biomass allocation patterns to adapt to contrasting environments. Meristems can have alternative fates to commit to vegetative growth, reproduction, or remaining inactive (dormant or senescent/dead). However, knowledge about whether meristem fates can interpret adaptive changes in biomass allocation remains largely unknown. We measured aboveground plant biomass (a proxy of plant size) and meristem number of a dominant shrub Artemisia ordosica in three populations occupying different habitats in the Mu Us Desert of northern China. Size-dependent biomass allocation and meristem allocation among habitats were compared. The size-dependent biom

SUBMITTER: She W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5684672 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature