Genetic variability and plasticity of plant allometry

The metabolic scaling theory (MST) predicts quasi-universal trait–size relationships in plants, characterised by a unique allometric exponent within and across large taxonomic scales. However, recent studies have identified variability relationships, without clear understanding of the modulating role played genetic variation environment. Here, we investigated (1) for two central traits MST, namely total leaf area plant growth rate, model species Arabidopsis thaliana, (2) allometries between genotypes (3) plastic responses under water deficit, high temperature their interaction. Using population 120 genotypes, found that intraspecific adhered on average with MST predictions. broad but moderate plasticity exponents was observed environments. Allometric were impacted significantly, yet weakly, not temperature. Moreover, deviated from predictions exhibited more than followed Our study suggests allometry is genetically variable might be related to different adaptive strategies cope stressing conditions. Thus, our results highlights need assessing understand mechanisms adaptation contrasted Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.