Leaf- and cell-level carbon cycling responses to a nitrogen and phosphorus gradient in two Arctic tundra species.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Consequences of global climate change are detectable in the historically nitrogen- and phosphorus-limited Arctic tundra landscape and have implications for the terrestrial carbon cycle. Warmer temperatures and elevated soil nutrient availability associated with increased microbial activity may influence rates of photosynthesis and respiration. • METHODS: This study examined leaf-level gas exchange, cellular ultrastructure, and related leaf traits in two dominant tundra species, Betula nana, a woody shrub, and Eriophorum vaginatum, a tussock sedge, under a 3-yr-old treatment gradient of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization in the North Slope of Alaska. • KEY RESULTS: Respiration increased with N and P addition-the highest rates corresponding to the highest concentrations of leaf N in both species. The inhibition of respiration by light ("Kok effect") significantly reduced respiration rates in both species (P < 0.001), ranged from 12-63% (mean 34%), and generally decreased with fertilization for both species. However, in both species, observed rates of photosynthesis did not increase, and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency generally decreased under increasing fertilization. Chloroplast and mitochondrial size and density were highly sensitive to N and P fertilization (P < 0.001), though species interactions indicated divergent cellular organizational strategies. • CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study demonstrate a species-specific decoupling of respiration and photosynthesis under N and P fertilization, implying an alteration of the carbon balance of the tundra ecosystem under future conditions.

AFLP markers and cytotaxonomic analysis reveal hybridisation in the genus Schoenus (Cyperaceae).

Molecular, cytological, and morphological data support the existence of a hybrid population between Schoenus nigricans and Schoenus ferrugineus. This population was found in northeastern Italy, where S. nigricans is central with respect to its natural range and S. ferrugineus is marginal, being most common in the Alps and in central and northern Europe. Molecular marker data show that the putative hybrid population is genetically intermediate between nearby populations of the parent species. Cytological evidence confirmed the hybrid nature of this population, as does the almost complete sterility of plants within the population. Although no seeds were produced by the hybrid population, some possibly fertile pollen grains were produced; this suggests that the possibility of introgression between the two species through the hybrids cannot completely be excluded.