Variability of clonal growth of European grass species in climate change experiments.

Here, we investigate the impact of climate change phenomena such as drought and warming on the clonal growth of European key grass species (Alopecurus pratensis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca pratensis, and Holcus lanatus) (Fig.1). Furthermore we tested for significant differences of five provenances from different climatic regions of Europe (Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Sweden). Clonal diversity and clonal growth was measured for 50 to 100 individuals of each species in a controlled pot experiment. Measures included presence of clonal growth organs (CGOs – Tab.1, Fig.2), number of respective tillers and buds and the capacity of lateral spread. Drought treatment was according to species specific response between 16 and 19 days. Warming treatment was an increase of average in-house temperature of 1.5 °C.