Leaf anatomy is not correlated to CAM function in a C3+CAM hybrid species, Yucca gloriosa

Abstract

Background and AimsCAM photosynthesis is often considered to be a complex trait, requiring orchestration of leaf anatomy and physiology for optimal performance. But the observation of trait correlations is based largely on comparisons between C3 and strong CAM species, resulting in a lack of understanding as to how such traits evolve and the level of intraspecific variability for CAM and associated traits.\n\nMethodsTo understand intraspecific variation for traits underlying CAM and how these traits might assemble over evolutionary time, we conducted detailed time course physiological screens and measured aspects of leaf anatomy in 24 genotypes of a C3+CAM hybrid species, Yucca gloriosa (Asparagaceae). Comparisons were made to Y. gloriosas progenitor species, Y. filamentosa (C3) and Y. aloifolia (CAM).\n\nKey resultsBased on gas exchange and measurement of leaf acids, Y. gloriosa appears to use both C3 and CAM, and varies across genotypes in the degree to which CAM can be upregulated under drought stress. While correlations between leaf anatomy and physiology exist when testing across all three Yucca species, such correlations break down at the species level in Y. gloriosa.\n\nConclusionsThe variation in CAM upregulation in Y. gloriosa is a result of its relatively recent hybrid origin. The lack of trait correlations between anatomy and physiology within Y. gloriosa indicate that the evolution of CAM, at least initially, can proceed through a wide combination of traits, and more favorable combinations are eventually selected for in strong CAM plants.