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A hidden herbivory effect on Sphagnum reproduction
Y-D Chen1,2,3, C Liu1,4, A Moles5
1Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
Plant Biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
|January 9, 2024
Summary
Herbivory significantly reduces spore germination in Sphagnum mosses, impacting reproduction. Reproductive shoots exhibit higher defenses, but herbivore pressure still affects plant fitness.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Science
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- Plant defense theories predict resource allocation trade-offs between growth and defense.
- Limited understanding exists on how herbivory influences resource allocation during plant reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of herbivory on resource allocation and reproductive traits in two Sphagnum bryophyte species.
- To compare defense strategies between vegetative and reproductive shoots under herbivore pressure.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiment exposing Sphagnum angustifolium and S. capillifolium shoots to herbivory.
- Measurement of biomass, photosynthesis, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, and reproductive traits (capsule and spore characteristics).
Main Results:
- Reproductive shoots showed higher constitutive defenses than vegetative shoots in both species.
- Herbivory induced stronger phenolic defenses in reproductive shoots of S. capillifolium but not S. angustifolium.
- Spore germination was reduced by over 50% in both species due to herbivory, while capsule traits remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Herbivory has significant, often hidden, effects on bryophyte reproduction, particularly impacting spore viability.
- Sphagnum species exhibit differential defense responses to herbivory, with implications for maternal effects.
- Assessing both quality and quantity traits is crucial for understanding herbivory's impact on plant fitness.
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