Plasticity of leaf and shoot morphology and leaf photochemistry for Brachypodium pinnatum (L.) Beauv. growing in contrasting microenvironments in a semiarid loess forest-steppe vegetation mosaic

摘要: Summary After clearcutting xerothermic oakwoods once natural in semiarid temperate loess regions of Hungary the perennial understorey grass Brachypodium pinnatum(L.) Beauv. may persist through decades and often dominates grasslands maintained by grazing and/or cutting place former oakwoods. This also successfully establishes from low- to high-light microenvironments co-ocurring as forest regeneration commences after pasture abandonment. It was assumed that B. pinnatum must possess a high degree phenotypic plasticity for such an ecological versatility. assumption tested comparing leaf sho ot morphology photochemistry species’ three typical (full shade under oak canopy, half near shrubs, full sun unshaded grassland) plants growing situ those reciprocally transplanted between these microhabitats. Aboveground standing crop greatest indicating this microhabitat light limitation (typical shade) water stress (appearing temporarily are ameliorated. Average lifes pan while senescence highest grassland. An efficient adjustment low observed both (specific mass, thickness bulk tissue density were lowest (quantum yield PSII ( ΦPSII), photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical energy dissipation (NPQ) lower, antenna efficiency (Fv’/Fm’) higher leaves than others). Transplanted showed remarkable since one year transfer their did not differ new microenvironment. However, transplants appeared be more sensitive radiation load grassland ones. Our results confirm capacity phenotypical habitat environment, is consistent with original forest-steppe coenological affi nity contribute persistence deforestation. Nevertheless, temporary associated hi gh appear pose on distribution species Central Europe.