Plastic Energy Allocation Patterns in Plantago Coronopus

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Abstract
Energy allocation patterns in P. coronopus L. were investigated in greenhouse experiments and in natural populations. In the greenhouse, plants originating from 1 population were grown under a range of conditions. All plants behaved as monocarpic annuals and were harvested at full reproductive maturity; thus, observed differences in energy allocation patterns were not ontogenetically based. Density strongly influenced energy allocation but nutrients exerted little effect. Reproductive allocation decreased significantly with increasing density (P < 0.001). It ranged from 31-41% of aboveground dry weight. Mean reproductive allocation was correlated (r = +0.85, P < 0.01) with mean aboveground dry weight of plants under different conditions. Three isolated field populations differed significantly in energy allocation patterns; these patterns could be interpreted as strategic responses to site differences. Reproductive allocation was significantly correlated with individual plant weight in each population (r ranged from +0.53 to +0.91, P < 0.01-0.001). The ecological advantages of a weight-related, plastic reproductive strategy are discussed with reference to length of survival of the individual plant.