Shade-light mediated responses in field and hedgerow populations of Galium aparine L.

Abstract

Field and hedgerow populations of Galium aparine were grown under light regimes where photosynthetically active radiation was constant and R: FR was varied by the addition of FR to simulate the canopy shade environment whilst giving equal opportunity for photosynthesis. Although these populations are similar in many ways, shade strategies are exhibited which indicate genotypic differences between them. The results show that in an established canopy the hedgerow population is better able to compete for light via internode elongation than is the field population. Different patterns of axillary shoot development can also be demonstrated between the two populations.