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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Relating Stomatal Conductance to Leaf Functional Traits
Published on: October 12, 2015
Developmental contributions to phenotypic variation in functional leaf traits within quaking aspen clones
Eric A Smith1, Sean B Collette, Thomas A Boynton
1Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
Plant ramet age significantly impacts leaf functional traits in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Developmental changes influence photosynthesis, water use, and nutrient concentrations, affecting clone fitness.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Ecology
- Forest Science
Background:
- Phenotypic variation in plant traits is shaped by genetics and environment.
- Developmental factors also significantly influence leaf phenotypes throughout a tree's life span.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate developmental influences on phenotypic trait variation in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) ramets of different ages.
- To test the hypothesis that leaf functional traits are influenced by developmental cues as trees age.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed eight quaking aspen clones with eight age classes (1-160 years).
- Collected leaf samples from three ramets per age class.
- Measured traits including photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, specific leaf area, and nutrient/secondary metabolite concentrations.
- Utilized regression analysis to assess relationships between ramet age and trait expression.
Main Results:
- Ramet age showed significant correlations with 10 out of 12 measured phenotypic traits.
- Eight traits exhibited non-linear relationships, with early development showing rapid changes that stabilized later.
- Water relations, nutrient concentration, leaf gas exchange, and phenolic glycosides decreased with age.
- Sucrose, condensed tannins, and water use efficiency increased with ramet age.
Conclusions:
- Ontogenetic variation in phenotypic traits may lead to fitness differences among ramets within aspen clones.
- Age-related phenotypic diversity could contribute to quaking aspen's adaptability across broad environmental gradients.
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