Class
Article
College
S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department
Watershed Sciences Department
Faculty Mentor
Karin Kettenring
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Wetlands are unique because although they are highly productive, they are often species poor. Previous research suggests intraspecific genetic variation of traits within species may be driving high functioning. If genetic differences influence functional traits, then this relationship could explain the high functioning of wetland systems despite low species diversity. We examined trait variation among different genotypes of the wetland plant Bolboschoenus martimus (alkali bulrush). We collected rhizomes from wetlands in Montana, Arizona, and Utah and grew 5 genotypes from these various sites in a common garden experiment for 22 weeks. We measured above ground and belowground traits which include maximum stem height, stem density, specific leaf area, relative growth rate, number of inflorescences, above and below ground carbon to nitrogen ratio, number of new rhizomes, and biomass. These traits mitigate for drought, water saturation, nutrient scarcity, shading, and crowding. We found some of these traits, specifically stem density and number of inflorescence were significantly different between genotypes. Understanding the level of functional trait diversity required to maintain high levels of function not only helps us better understand the relationship between intraspecific biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, understanding trait variation among genotypes of single species can help with restoration efforts when a specific species is needed to improve a wetland ecosystem.
Location
Room 155
Start Date
4-10-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
4-10-2019 2:45 PM
Included in
An Investigation of Intraspecific Variation of Bolboschoenus Maritimus (Alkali Bulrush)
Room 155
Wetlands are unique because although they are highly productive, they are often species poor. Previous research suggests intraspecific genetic variation of traits within species may be driving high functioning. If genetic differences influence functional traits, then this relationship could explain the high functioning of wetland systems despite low species diversity. We examined trait variation among different genotypes of the wetland plant Bolboschoenus martimus (alkali bulrush). We collected rhizomes from wetlands in Montana, Arizona, and Utah and grew 5 genotypes from these various sites in a common garden experiment for 22 weeks. We measured above ground and belowground traits which include maximum stem height, stem density, specific leaf area, relative growth rate, number of inflorescences, above and below ground carbon to nitrogen ratio, number of new rhizomes, and biomass. These traits mitigate for drought, water saturation, nutrient scarcity, shading, and crowding. We found some of these traits, specifically stem density and number of inflorescence were significantly different between genotypes. Understanding the level of functional trait diversity required to maintain high levels of function not only helps us better understand the relationship between intraspecific biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, understanding trait variation among genotypes of single species can help with restoration efforts when a specific species is needed to improve a wetland ecosystem.