Clonal integration in Ochthochloa compressa under extreme environmental conditions
type: CreativeWork
description: While multiple studies have indicated the benefit of clonal integration and its role in resisting harsh environmental conditions, many researchers have indicated the need for further studies to understand fully the role of clonal integration and what determines the optimal strategies in various environments. In this project a series of studies were carried out in an extremely arid area (Al Thumam area in the Arabian Peninsula) to contribute to the knowledge of the benefits of clonal integration and understanding the behaviour of the clonal grass Ochthochloa compressa. This study is unique because it has investigated the benefits of clonality in one of the harshest environments where clonal plants are found. Experiment 1. I aimed to understand the patterns of spread and expansion of stolons, particularly whether stolons grew in random directions or are directed to better patches by the mother ramets to establish new daughter ramets maximizing their chances of success. I measured nutrient contents (N, P and K) in patches where mother plants grew, and where daughter ramets had established. In addition, I sampled nearby unoccupied patches. Mother plants were found in patches with higher N concentrations than where the daughter ramets were found. There were no differences in concentration of P; while K was the lowest where not fully rooted daughters were found. The results suggest that daughter ramets did not establish in the best areas, indicating that the spread and expansion of stolons in the O. compressa occurs randomly. Experiment 2. I investigated the effects of the addition of fertilizer to mother and daughter ramets, including addition of nutrients to daughters disconnected from the mother ramets. Cutting the stolons caused to death of the daughter because these ramets were still dependent on the mother ramets. When connected, mothers that received nutrients affected some transference nutrients to daughter ramets. In contrast, the daughters accumulated the nutrie…
abstract: While multiple studies have indicated the benefit of clonal integration and its role in resisting harsh environmental conditions, many researchers have indicated the need for further studies to understand fully the role of clonal integration and what determines the optimal strategies in various environments. In this project a series of studies were carried out in an extremely arid area (Al Thumam area in the Arabian Peninsula) to contribute to the knowledge of the benefits of clonal integration and understanding the behaviour of the clonal grass Ochthochloa compressa. This study is unique because it has investigated the benefits of clonality in one of the harshest environments where clonal plants are found. Experiment 1. I aimed to understand the patterns of spread and expansion of stolons, particularly whether stolons grew in random directions or are directed to better patches by the mother ramets to establish new daughter ramets maximizing their chances of success. I measured nutrient contents (N, P and K) in patches where mother plants grew, and where daughter ramets had established. In addition, I sampled nearby unoccupied patches. Mother plants were found in patches with higher N concentrations than where the daughter ramets were found. There were no differences in concentration of P; while K was the lowest where not fully rooted daughters were found. The results suggest that daughter ramets did not establish in the best areas, indicating that the spread and expansion of stolons in the O. compressa occurs randomly. Experiment 2. I investigated the effects of the addition of fertilizer to mother and daughter ramets, including addition of nutrients to daughters disconnected from the mother ramets. Cutting the stolons caused to death of the daughter because these ramets were still dependent on the mother ramets. When connected, mothers that received nutrients affected some transference nutrients to daughter ramets. In contrast, the daughters accumulated the nutrie…
author: Al Mosallam, Mobarak S
keywords: Clonal integration
date published: 2018
date modified: 2026-07-24T00:50:48Z
provider: University of Adelaide
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Adelaide

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/2440/113114