Responses of root phenology in ecotypes of Eriophorum vaginatum to transplantation and warming in the Arctic

The effect of climate change on phenology and growth is less understood for belowground plant tissues than aboveground tissues, particularly in high-latitude regions. Ecotypes within a species adapted to locality may display different responses change. We established two common garden plots the Arctic tundra north Brooks Range northern Alaska. Three ecotypes Eriophorum vaginatum along latitudinal gradient were transplanted into gardens, half transplants warmed using open-top chambers (OTCs). Minirhizotrons used track root during growing seasons 2016 2017. Warming with OTCs (approximately +1 °C air) did not affect biomass, production or phenology. southern ecotype (from 67°16?N) northward experienced delayed startup compared 68°38?N 69°25?N), although significant differences observed three terms production, biomass duration at sites. Our results suggest that as warms, be able adjust their productivity by phenotypic plasticity, degree plasticity controlling time vary between ecotypes.