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Climatic adaptability of populations ofDiplotaxis erucoides D.C. (Brassicaceae) from Sicily, based on leaf morphology, leaf anatomy and δ13 C studies

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Abstract

The morphological and anatomical variability ofDiplotaxis erucoides populations from Sicily was investigated. Populations growing during the summer months exhibit distinct xeromorphic features. Leaf area is strongly reduced and leaf thickness is increased when compared with winter populations. Cell size, as well as cell arrangement and mesophyll cell surface area differ significantly between summer and winter populations. Leaf thickness is almost three times higher in summer populations andA (cell)/A, i.e. the mesophyll cell surface area per unit leaf area changes from about 16 for winter populations to almost 52 for summer populations. These differences are partly due to differences in intercellular volume and partly due to alterations in mesophyll cell sizes. The organic materal of the summer populations exhibits δ13C values in the order of −27%. to −28%., while the corresponding values for the winter populations are in the order of −31%. to −33%.. Analysis ofD. erucoides populations from the transition period revealed intermediate δ13C values. Anatomical variations such as reductions or increases ofA (cells)/A and changes of intercellular volume correlate with the corresponding δ13C data. The δ13C data are discussed in conjunction with the differences in leaf anatomy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Biophysikalische Chemie im Institut für Chemie, 59 Kernforschungsanlage Jülich GmbH, Postfach 1913, D-5170, Jülich, Germany

    G. H. Schleser

  2. Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, Universität Osnabrück, Postfach 4469, D-4500, Osnabrück, Germany

    K. -G. Bernhardt & H. Hurka

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  1. G. H. Schleser
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  2. K. -G. Bernhardt
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  3. H. Hurka
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Schleser, G.H., Bernhardt, K.G. & Hurka, H. Climatic adaptability of populations ofDiplotaxis erucoides D.C. (Brassicaceae) from Sicily, based on leaf morphology, leaf anatomy and δ13 C studies. Int J Biometeorol 33, 109–118 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01686287

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