Effects of sexual reproduction on growth and vegetative propagation in Arum maculatum L. [Araceae]: in-situ removal experiments

We investigated the effects of sexual reproduction on vegetative propagation and relative somatic cost in Arum maculatum L. (Araceae). Two groups were selected as control and experimental. The spadices of individuals in experimental group were removed to test the relationship between sexual reproduction and vegetative propagation. Statistically significant differences were found between initial and final tuber weight in individuals with sexual organs removed. No significant differences were found between initial and final tuber weight in naturally reproducing (sexual organs not removed) individuals. However, the statistically significant differences were found between control and experimental group with respect to above-ground biomass but not in terms of below-ground biomass. The differences between two groups in terms of above-ground and below-ground nitrogen concentrations were also significant. Relative somatic cost of sexual reproduction (RSC) was observed in above-ground parts, but not in below-ground parts in terms of biomass and in both above- and below-ground parts in terms of nitrogen concentration.