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Abstract Detail



Ecological Section

Dugan, Gemma [1], Martine, Christopher [2].

Sex-differential insect herbivory in dioecious Australian nightshades.

Phytochemical impact on herbivory is often difficult to quantify due to the abundance of confounding environmental and circumstantial variables. In dioecious species, gender may also come into play. Studies have shown that, depending on the system/taxon, sex-differential herbivory in dioecious species can lead to higher rates of damage to either gender. Male plants are most often cited as being more susceptible to herbivory due to a diversion of resources away from defense and into faster growth. To begin to look for correlations between plant gender and insect choice we field-collected samples of two functionally dioecious species, Solanum asymmetriphyllum and S. sejunctum, from Kakadu National Park in Australia. Data profiles were compiled based on percentage of leaf lost to herbivory, soil quality and pH, gender, location and other environmental data. By developing this framework we were able to look more closely at the impact of plant gender on insect choice whilst accounting for other variables. These compiled data are the antecedents to 1) an HPLC-based phytochemical analysis of Solanum tissues displaying extreme herbivory, or the absence thereof, and 2) a phytochemical comparison of female and male leaf tissues in these two endemic solanums.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Bucknell University, Biology C/o C. Martine, Biology Building 308, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA
2 - Bucknell University, Biological Sciences, 203 Biology Building, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, USA

Keywords:
herbivory
Solanum
Solanaceae
dioecy
Phytochemistry
dioecious.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:45 PM
Number: PEC021
Abstract ID:586
Candidate for Awards:None


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