Natural selection on light response curve parameters in the herbaceous annual, Impatiens capensis.
We tested for genetic variation in light response curves and their acclimation to sun versus shade in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the annual species Impatiens capensis derived from a cross between sun and shade populations. We exposed replicates of 49 RILs to experimentally manipulated light levels (open versus shade) in a greenhouse and measured photosynthetic light response curves, height, biomass, and reproduction. Plants were taller in the shade treatment, but we were unable to detect differences between light treatments (i.e., acclimation) in the maximal rate of photosynthesis, the light compensation point, or the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis. Genotypic selection analyses indicated that higher maximal rates of carbon assimilation and higher light compensation points (typical of sun-acclimated light curves) were favored by natural selection in both light treatments. Thus, it appears that the pattern of selection on photosynthetic parameters may not depend on light environment in this species.
Heschel
M Shane
MS
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 N. Eagleville Rd., U-43, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, USA. sheschel@oeb.harvard.edu
Stinchcombe
John R
JR
Holsinger
Kent E
KE
Schmitt
Johanna
J
D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018533:Biomass; D002244:Carbon / Q000378:metabolism; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D014644:Genetic Variation; D029069:Impatiens / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D013472:Sunlight
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002244:Carbon