Differential effects of transgenerational plasticity on morphological and photosynthetic properties between an invasive plant and its congeneric native one

Phenotype of plant offspring may be affected by particularly maternal environmental conditions, which is named as transgenerational plasticity. Transgenerational plasticity enhances the fitness under conditions. promote successful invasion alien plants, those with clonal growth. However, few studies have compared between invasive plants and their congeneric native ones. A pot experiment herb Wedelia trilobata its species chinensis was conducted to investigate effects light conditions (low vs. high treatment) experienced mother ramets on morphological photosynthetic properties subjected low treatment. Compared from treatment, leaf area, potential maximum net rate (Pmax) biomass accumulation treatment were significantly greater in W. than chinensis. Opposite pattern observed number ramets. We conclude that growth performance could species-specific one. Positive effect not transformed into advantages during later establishment. favorable capturing resource enhance competitive ability trilobata.