A study of some New Zealand forms of agropyron scabrum (R.Br.) Beauvois

Abstract

Though Turesson defined the concept of genecology, Kerner in 1891 described his transplanting experiments of the varied environment type. Kerner established an alpine garden and a lowland station. As the result of his observations Kerner was led to conclude that there was a modification effect by the environment upon the plant but also that there were hereditable differences which could not be removed from the plant. Seed from the modified plants did not show the distinct modifications when resown in their original habitats. (Hiesey (1940)). Hiesey furthers his review of transplant experiments and includes the much discussed works of Bonnier which was done during 1890-1920. Bonnier introduced the system of clone transplanting and as the result of 35 years of observation pronounced that it was possible to change lowland species to such an extent that they came to resemble alpine species. The reservation that lowland species were not converted to alpine species unless forms of the same or related species grew naturally in the alpine region is of great importance. Bonnier experienced difficulty in transforming alpine species into lowland species. Clausen, Keck and Hiesey (1940) consider that Bonnier's experiments are not conclusive inasmuch as (i) he failed to ensure continued purity of his cultures (ii) unsatisfactorily interpreted the results. Bonnier's results are also in complete contradiction with those of Clausen, Keck and Hiesey. Clausen et al. (194O) refer to the transplant experiments of F.E.Clements whose ideas were somewhat like those of Bonnier in that he made general claims to the transformation of lowland into alpine forms and vice versa. It has not been possible to evaluate the work of Clements as no critical reports have been published.