Huarong, Zhang and DeWald, Laura E. and Kolb, Thomas E. and Koepke, Dan F. (2011) Genetic variation in ecophysiological and survival responses to drought in two native grasses: Koeleria Macrantha and Elymus Elymoides. Western North American Naturalist, 71 (1). pp. 25-32. ISSN 1944-8341
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Abstract
Genetic variation in ecophysiological and survival responses to drought was studied in 2 northern Arizona native grass species, Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) Schult. (prairie Junegrass) and Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey. ssp. elymoides (squirreltail). Low- and high-elevation populations of each species were compared in a greenhouse common garden experiment that included simulated drought. Leaf gas-exchange characteristics were significantly affected by simulated drought and often by population elevation, but gas-exchange responses to drought were similar for high- and low-elevation populations. Compared to high-elevation populations, low-elevation populations of both species had higher net photosynthetic rate and predawn water potential, and for E. elymoides had higher stomatal conductance. Leaf-level water-use efficiency did not differ between populations for either species. Populations also differed significantly in leaf morphological characteristics related to water use. Compared to high-elevation populations, low-elevation populations of both species had smaller leaves. Low-elevation populations of both species survived aboveground longer than high-elevation populations during drought, with a larger difference in K. macrantha than in E. elymoides. These results suggest strong selection for drought adaptation and water use along an elevational and water-availability gradient in native grasses. (English)
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| ID number or DOI: | 10.3398/064.071.0104 |
| Keywords: | Drought; climate change; southwestern United States; drought responses; native plants; native grass; arid regions; |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics Q Science > QK Botany |
| NAU Depositing Author Academic Status: | Faculty/Staff |
| Department/Unit: | College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Science > School of Forestry |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Oct 2015 22:03 |
| URI: | http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/1381 |
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