| Abstract Detail
Developmental and Structural Section Charles-Dominique, Tristan [1], Edelin, Claude [1], Bouchard, André [2]. Two contrasting architectural strategies for Cornus sericea L., depending on its invasive status. We performed an architectural analysis of red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L. syn. stolonifera, Cornaceae) to understand the relationship between developmental plasticity and invasiveness. We compared individuals in invading and non invading populations in its native range, in south-western Quebec (Canada). We revealed that the modular architecture of C. sericea is set up following strong intrinsic developmental rules. Two levels of organization have been identified and were used as a comparison framework. A high developmental plasticity in response to the light environment was determined and results in two architectural strategies. In an open canopy (disturbed area), C. sericea quickly develops vertical structures with large dimensions and high seed production. This strategy allows the plant to be invasive by excluding competitors and dispersing throughout the landscape. In the understory (natural habitat), C. sericea develops horizontal and long structures which creep over the soil surface and assimilating structures are poorly developed. This strategy does not allow the plant to be invasive but could let the plant survive in the understory and reach sunny patches. This study highlights how architectural analysis can be used to understand invasive plant structure and development. It sheds light on ontogenic variations in C. sericea that should be considered when studying phenotypic plasticity. We have also demonstrated how invasiveness in C. sericea can be linked to developmental plasticity.
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1 - Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, UMR AMAP, Montpellier, 34000, France
2 - Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101 est, rue Sherbrooke, Montréal, Québec, H1X 2B2, Canada
Keywords:
Cornus sericea
Red-osier dogwood
Shrub
Invasion
plant architecture
phenotypic plasticity
development.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for BSA Sections
Session: 27
Location: Ballroom 3/Cliff Lodge - Level B
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 27002
Abstract ID:149 |
