Plant phenotypic plasticity in a changing climate

• Published in: Trends in plant science Vol. 15; no. 12; pp. 684 - 692
• Main Authors: Nicotra, A.B., Atkin, O.K., Bonser, S.P., Davidson, A.M., Finnegan, E.J., Mathesius, U., Poot, P., Purugganan, M.D., Richards, C.L., Valladares, F., van Kleunen, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2010; [Kidlington, Oxford, UK]: Elsevier Science Ltd; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Biological and medical sciences; Climate Change; Flowers - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants - genetics; Seeds - physiology; Dynamical climatology; Phenotypic plasticity; Climate change; Plant sciences
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2010.09.008

Climate change is altering the availability of resources and the conditions that are crucial to plant performance. One way plants will respond to these changes is through environmentally induced shifts in phenotype (phenotypic plasticity). Understanding plastic responses is crucial for predicting and managing the effects of climate change on native species as well as crop plants. Here, we provide a toolbox with definitions of key theoretical elements and a synthesis of the current understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying plasticity relevant to climate change. By bringing ecological, evolutionary, physiological and molecular perspectives together, we hope to provide clear directives for future research and stimulate cross-disciplinary dialogue on the relevance of phenotypic plasticity under climate change.