Genet dynamics and its variation among genets of a clonal plant Convallaria keiskei

In clonal plant populations, a number of genetically identical ramets form a genet. While coexisting ramets potentially perform independently, their behaviours not only depend on ages and sizes but are also constrained by genetic background. In this study, genet dynamics and its variability among neighbouring genets were investigated based on the ramet demography of each genet in Convallaria keiskei. Genet dynamics were first formulated as a matrix model with the two components of clonal growth (clonal reproduction) and survival-transitions between ramet size classes. Then, a statistical estimation of the matrix elements was established using three datasets: aboveground demographic censuses, belowground directional rhizomatous connections and genetic identification of ramets. Finally, genet growth rates reflecting both the changes of clonal growth and ramet size growth were estimated and compared for fundamental demographic elements among genets. Over three years of aboveground annual c...