Ecological patterns in the glucosinolate content of a native mustard,Cardamine cordifolia, in the rocky mountains

Insect use of native crucifers may be related to patterns in mustard oil content. Consequently, in 1979 we measured glucosinolate content of Rocky Mountain bittercress,Cardamine cordifolia (Cruciferae), using paper and gas chromatography, in relation to: plant organ, phenology, elevation, habitat, leaf position and weight, and plant consumption by two adapted insect herbivores. Results for each are as follows. (1) The predominant constituent in all vegetative organs was 2-butylglucosinolate; concentration of isothiocyanate-yielding glucosinolates (IYG) was highest in roots (1.11 mg/gfr. wt) and lowest in stems (0.07 mg/g). (2) Concentration of IYG appeared to be higher in plants lacking oxazolidinethione-yielding glucosinolates (OYG) than in those with OYG. (3) Terminal cauline leaves had a higher content of IYG than leaves in other positions on a plant. (4) Heavy leaves had significantly higher concentrations of IYG than did lighter leaves. (5) IYG concentrations were not directly related to elevation. (6) Leaves of plants occurring naturally in the sun had concentrations of IYG similar to those of plants in the usual shaded habitat. However, experimental removal of overhanging willows caused a significant, stress-induced increase in IYG concentrations. Finally, (7) feeding by two adapted herbivores, chrysomelids and psyllids, was associated with lower, rather than higher, IYG concentrations. The results demonstrate significant variation in glucosinolate content in a native crucifer and suggest that some of this variation can be partitioned in relation to the ecological and environmental axes examined.