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Heritable variation in stomatal responses to elevated CO2 in wild radish, Raphanus raphanistrum (Brassicaceae)
American Journal of Botany
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) may impact plant reproduction and stomatal traits. While heritable variation exists for these traits in Raphanus raphanistrum, CO2 enrichment did not significantly affect fecundity, suggesting limited natural selection on these specific stomatal characters.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels influence plant physiology and evolution.
- Elevated CO2 can affect photosynthesis, carbon allocation, and act as a selective pressure.
- Understanding heritable responses to CO2 is crucial for predicting plant population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritable effects of elevated CO2 on stomatal traits and plant fecundity in Raphanus raphanistrum.
- To determine if natural selection could act on stomatal characters in response to increasing CO2.
- To assess the relationship between stomatal traits and reproductive success under elevated CO2.
Main Methods:
- Cultivated Raphanus raphanistrum from 12 paternal families in outdoor open-top chambers.
- Exposed plants to ambient (35 Pa) and elevated (67 Pa) CO2 conditions.
- Measured stomatal index, guard cell length, and total flower and fruit production.
Main Results:
- Total flower and fruit production were marginally lower under elevated CO2.
- Stomatal index and guard cell length showed minimal overall response to CO2 enrichment.
- Significant family-by-CO2 interactions indicated heritable variation in stomatal responses.
- No significant correlation was found between stomatal characters and lifetime fecundity.
Conclusions:
- Heritable variation for stomatal index and guard cell length exists in Raphanus raphanistrum populations.
- Despite this variation, elevated CO2 did not significantly impact lifetime fecundity through these stomatal traits.
- Natural selection on these specific stomatal characters due to increasing CO2 is unlikely to be a major factor in this species.
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