Carbon and nitrogen isotopic variability in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) with watering regime.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Carbonised plant remains are analysed for reconstruction of past climates and agricultural regimes. Several recent studies have used C₄ plants to address related questions, and correlations between modern C₄ plant δ¹³ C values and rainfall have been found. The millets were important food crops in prehistoric Eurasia, yet little is known about causes of isotopic variation within millet species. Previous research has shown there to be significant isotopic variation between millet accessions. Here we compare isotope ratios from plants grown under different watering regimes. This allows for a consideration of whether or not Setaria italica is a good proxy for environmental reconstruction.

Methods

We compare stable isotope ratios of Seta

SUBMITTER: Lightfoot E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7050514 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature