| Abstract Detail
Ecological Section Ketner, Julie M. [1], Holtsford, Timothy P. [2]. Phenotypic plasticity of morphological and phenological traits in N. longiflora and N. plumbaginifolia. Nicotiana longiflora Cav. and Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. are sister species found in Nicotiana section Alatae (Solanaceae). Both of these sister species are separated from the other seven species of section Alatae due to chromosome number (10) and self compatibility; however, N. longiflora is a dedicated outcrosser. N. longiflora is described as a short-lived perennial while N. plumbaginifolia is an annual. Phenotypic plasticity can differ between species due to environmental factors, different habitats and evolutionary history (Schlichting 1986). Thus far few studies focus on phenotypic plasticity between closely related species. The goal here is to estimate the effects of environmental factors and their interactions on phenotypic plasticity of morphological and phenological traits in these two sister species with contrasting breeding systems and life histories.
In order to assess the plasticity of certain traits, we conducted a 3-way factorial experiment with a random, complete block design in the greenhouse. Water level, fertilizer level and pot-density were manipulated for both species. Measurements were taken of plant size (height, root and above ground biomass), phenology (time to germination and time to first flower) and fecundity (number of flowers and number of buds at harvest). Preliminary results show that N. longiflora and N. plumbaginifolia differed from each other in height, days to first flower and number of flowers. The density treatment significantly affected every trait measured. Watering level affected plant size, time to first flower and flower number. Fertilizer had the smallest influence with its effects seen in plant height and number of buds only.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - University of Missouri-Columbia, Biological Sciences, 105 Tucker Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
2 - University of Missouri-Columbia, Biological Sciences, 105 Tucker Hall, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
Keywords:
phenotypic plasticity
Nicotiana
Morpholgy
phenology
Self-compatible.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P49017
Abstract ID:2251 |
