Within-generation and transgenerational plasticity in growth and regeneration of a subordinate annual grass in a rainfall experiment.

摘要: Precipitation changes may induce shifts in plant species or life form dominance ecosystems, making some previously subordinate abundant. The plasticity of certain functional traits these expanding be one possible mechanism behind their success. In this study, we tested if the winter annual grass Secale sylvestre shows growth and reproduction response to altered environment associated with field-scale rainfall manipulations (severe drought, moderate watering) a semiarid grassland, whether maternal influences offspring germination subsequent pot experiment. Compared control plots, S. plants grew 38% taller, produced 32% more seeds severe drought while watered plots were 17% shorter, had 22% less seeds. Seed mass was greatest plots. Plants growing enhanced juvenile shoot compared progeny whose mother These responses are most likely explained by decreased cover dominant perennial grasses which resulted wetter soil during peak sylvestre. We conclude that changing help gain recurring droughts suppress grasses. Our results highlight exploring both within-generation transgenerational lead better prediction under climate change.