Growing up aspen: ontogeny and trade-offs shape growth, defence and reproduction in a foundation species.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Intraspecific variation in foundation species of forest ecosystems can shape community and ecosystem properties, particularly when that variation has a genetic basis. Traits mediating interactions with other species are predicted by simple allocation models to follow ontogenetic patterns that are rarely studied in trees. The aim of this research was to identify the roles of genotype, ontogeny and genotypic trade-offs shaping growth, defence and reproduction in aspen.

Methods

We established a common garden replicating >500 aspen genets in Wisconsin, USA. Trees were measured through the juvenile period into the onset of reproduction, for growth, defence chemistry (phenolic glycosides and condensed tannins), nitrogen, extrafloral nectaries, leaf morphology (

SUBMITTER: Cole CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7988516 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature