Seedling root traits strongly influence field survival and performance of a common bunchgrass

摘要: Abstract Seedling survival is a limiting factor in arid-land restoration. We investigated how variation the root traits of glasshouse-reared seedlings related to field performance different genotypes from two populations Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), common bunchgrass native Western United States. Seeds 100 E. individuals were collected sites northern Nevada. planted offspring these glasshouse characterize 10-day each maternal family. Root plants and seed size measures correlated with siblings grown plots close collection sites. at both estimate that within-population was associated more than six- nine-fold increase seedling probability two-fold height less productive site, 1.2-fold site. At sites, effects complex, extreme values some favoured intermediate other favoured. There recognized need integrate understanding plant functional into larger conceptual frameworks ecological Here we show suite relates large an grass species, improving our trait affects field. Understanding such may be used positively impact restoration outcomes.