Effects of cotyledon damage on fitness in Medicago

Effects of cotyledon damage on fitness in <i>Medicago</i>

Damage to cotyledons can have significant effects on subsequent plant growth and reproduction. Studying the annual species Medicago lupulina, Zhang et al. examine the mechanisms linking cotyledon damage and fitness, as measured by growth and reproductive traits. They show how a network of indirect mechanisms links cotyledon damage and fitness, with the strongest effects being from a reduction in plant size that reduces flower number and, in turn, seed number.