Abstract Detail

Ecophysiology

Aldrich, Marianne [1], Klahs, Phillip [2].

Axial root conductance in Anomochloa marantoidea, a member of Anomochlooideae, the basal lineage of the grass family (Poaceae).

The ecological significance of Poaceae is partly attributable to the diversity and global distribution of this family through adaptations for nearly every terrestrial habitat. The ability to conduct water and retain healthy roots is imperative to the success of grasses across an extreme range of conditions. Can the functional root anatomy of the earliest-diverging lineage in the family provide insights into root evolution?
Modern phylogenetic analyses agree that Anomochlooideae, a subfamily with 2 genera and 4 species, is sister to the rest of the grass family. Anomochloa marantoidea Brongn. grows in the understory of Brazilian Atlantic rainforests and is only known from a few locations. Recent niche modeling for this species found precipitation and canopy cover were the main drivers of distribution and led to the discovery of a new population.
Anomochloa marantoidea plants were grown in a greenhouse under the niche model parameters in order to predict axial root conductance. Plants were divided with one set receiving the average precipitation of 150 ml a month, and another set receiving only 116 ml a month. We hypothesized theoretical axial conductance would decrease under dryer conditions. Root tissue was collected and fixed in gFAA at intervals during the growth and watering phase which lasted ~4 months. Serial sectioning was used to view transverse sections of root anatomy and obtain diameters of vessel elements to predict axial conductance.

1 - Iowa State University, Pre-Biological & Pre-Medical Illustration, 251 Bessey Hall, 2200 Osborn Drive, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
2 - Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, 2200 Osborn Drive, Ames, IA, 50011, United States

Keywords:
Poaceae
Root
Anatomy.

Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PPE001
Abstract ID:51
Candidate for Awards:None