Exploring Chenopodium album adaptive traits in response to light and temperature stresses

Weeds within canopies are depleted in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and red to far-red light ratio (R/FR) throughout their lifespan. Growth cabinet studies isolated PPFD and R/FR effects and explored the adaptive traits of a model invasive weed, Chenopodium album, to light and temperature. Reproductive development progressed rapidly at high temperature, yet the rate of leaf appearance was insensitive to temperatures of 25:15 and 10:5 degrees C (day:night). Low R/FR effects were detected early in the life cycle, but by seed set, growth was influenced by low PPFD. C. album adapted to the simulated canopy environments by delaying seed set, growing taller and producing more leaf area per mol of accumulated incident PPFD. Low PPFD reduced seed number per plant and the carbon/nitrogen ratio of those seeds, but not seed weight. PPFD was a primary cue for many shade avoidance traits and only under low PPFD did R/FR modify the expression of these traits. This study elucidates the adaptive strategies that make C. album a persistent weed.