Abstract Detail

Anatomy and Morphology

High temporal resolution growth analysis of the C4 grass Setaria viridis in high and low light environments.

Plants need light for photosynthesis, and use direction and quality of light as cues to the environment in which they are growing. These cues can trigger adaptive behavior, such as the well-characterized shade avoidance response, where vertical growth is accentuated and branching is suppressed. We have examined the effect of changes in light quality and quantity on growth and development in the C4 model grass, Setaria viridis, both in mass plantings and by using high temporal resolution tracking of growth of individual plants, and find multiple growth responses that range between physiological and morphological change. Plants growing together under low light conditions display significantly more variability in height and branching than under high light conditions, likely reflecting a more active need to selectively partition scarce resources. Individually, there is increased variation in leaf position in low light and shaded plants from that seen in high light plants, as well as a light seeking behavior of individual leaves. Our results reveal the dynamic adaptive behavior of both whole plants and individual organs to differing light regimes.

1 - 90S University Place Apt.4, Stillwater, OK, 74075, United States
2 - Oklahoma State University, Plant Biology, Ecology And Evolution, Physical Sciences Room 301, Stillwater, OK, 74078, United States

Keywords:
Setaria
high throughput phenotyping
development
branching
variability.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: AM1, Anatomy and Morphology
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 11:45 AM
Number: AM1008
Abstract ID:529
Candidate for Awards:None