Reproductive compensatory photosynthesis in a semi-arid rangeland bunchgrass

While increased foliar photosynthesis is well documented across many plant species in response to diverse modes of herbivory, the compensatory ability of photosynthetically active reproductive structures is unknown. To address this, we partially defoliated basal florets in seed heads of crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), an exotic Eurasian perennial bunchgrass widely distributed across North American sagebrush steppe. We followed direct and indirect responses by tracking post-clipping photosynthesis in clipped basal and unclipped distal florets, respectively, and comparing these to similar florets on unclipped seed heads. Compensatory photosynthesis was apparent 24 h after clipping; over the pre-anthesis period, clipped basal floret photosynthesis was + 62%, stomatal conductance was + 82%, and PSII photochemical yield was − 39% of unclipped controls. After anthesis, intact florets distal to clipped florets had modestly higher photosynthetic rates compared to controls, while basal floret rates did not differ between treatments. Compensatory photosynthesis reduced intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE; photosynthesis/stomatal conductance) 68–40% below controls over pre- and post-anthesis periods, respectively. Specific mass (dry mass/area) of clipped florets was − 15% of controls, while florets distal to these had specific mass 11% greater than distal or basal florets on unclipped seed heads. These results suggest damaged basal florets provided carbon to unaffected distal florets. This could explain crested wheatgrass’s ability to produce viable seeds under conditions limiting to native bunchgrasses, and presents a novel mechanism germane to the development of convergent drought- and grazing-tolerance traits important to arid and semi-arid rangeland plant community resilience to climate variability.