Semchenko, Marina, John, Elizabeth A and Hutchings, Michael J (2007) The effects of physical connection between ramets and genetic identity of neighbouring ramets on root placement patterns in two clonal species. New Phytologist, 176 (3). pp. 644-654. ISSN 0028-646X

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Abstract

Root-placement patterns were examined in the clonal species Glechoma hederacea and Fragaria vesca when grown with different types of neighbours. Three different patterns were predicted as consequences of different types of interactions between roots: the avoidance pattern if root growth decreases in the presence of neighbouring roots; the intrusive pattern if root growth increases towards neighbouring roots; and the unresponsive pattern if root growth is unaffected by neighbouring roots. Experiments were conducted in which physical connection between ramets, and the genetic identity of neighbouring ramets, were manipulated. The patterns of distribution of entire root systems and elongation rates of individual roots were measured. Root systems and individual roots of G. hederacea avoided contact with roots of neighbouring ramets, irrespective of connection to the neighbour and its genetic or specific identity. In contrast, F. vesca roots grew equally towards and away from intraspecific ramet neighbours and their elongation was stimulated by contact with roots of G. hederacea ramets. These results demonstrate that root-placement patterns of plants grown with different types of neighbours vary between species, and suggest that factors additional to resource depletion could be involved in their development.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Hutchings, John and Semchenko contributed equally to produce this paper. The results demonstrate that root placement patterns of plants grown with different types of neighbours vary between species, and imply that factors additional to resource depletion, including self/non-self recognition, are involved in their development.
Schools and Departments:	School of Life Sciences > Biology and Environmental Science
Depositing User:	Libby John
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2012 18:26
Last Modified:	20 Mar 2012 10:26
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/16374

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