Reproductive efficiency and shade avoidance plasticity under simulated competition. Issue 14 (21st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fazlioglu, Fatih; Al‐Namazi, Ali; Bonser, Stephen P.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 6:Issue 14(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 4947
• Page End: 4957
• Publication Date: 2016-06-21
• Subjects: Phenotypic plasticity -- plant reproduction -- shade avoidance -- simulated competition; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Plant strategy and life‐history theories make different predictions about reproductive efficiency under competition. While strategy theory suggests under intense competition iteroparous perennial plants delay reproduction and semelparous annuals reproduce quickly, life‐history theory predicts both annual and perennial plants increase resource allocation to reproduction under intense competition. We tested (1) how simulated competition influences reproductive efficiency and competitive ability (CA) of different plant life histories and growth forms; (2) whether life history or growth form is associated with CA; (3) whether shade avoidance plasticity is connected to reproductive efficiency under simulated competition. We examined plastic responses of 11 herbaceous species representing different life histories and growth forms to simulated competition (spectral shade). We found that both annual and perennial plants invested more to reproduction under simulated competition in accordance with life‐history theory predictions. There was no significant difference between competitive abilities of different life histories, but across growth forms, erect species expressed greater CA (in terms of leaf number) than other growth forms. We also found that shade avoidance plasticity can increase the reproductive efficiency by capitalizing on the early life resource acquisition and conversion of these resources into reproduction. Therefore, we suggest that a reassessment of the interpretation of shade avoidance plasticity is necessary by revealing its role in reproduction, not only in competition of plants. Abstract : We tested (1) how competition influences reproductive efficiency and competitive ability of different plant life histories and growth forms; (2) whether life history or growth form is associated with competitive ability; (3) whether shade avoidance plasticity is connected to competitive ability or reproductive efficiency under competition. We found that both annual and perennial plants invest more to reproduction under simulated competition in accordance with life‐history theory predictions. Moreover, shade avoidance plasticity can increase reproductive efficiency by allowing quicker resource uptake and reproduction at earlier life stages.