| Abstract Detail
Ecological Section Hull-Sanders, Helen [1], Meyer, Gretchen [2], Johnson, Robert [3]. Chemical analysis of a polyploid plant in two ranges: Native versus Invasive Solidago gigantea. The role of polyploidy has long been recognized as a major force in the evolution of plant species or species complexes. Species complexes differing in cytotypes may differ in physiology, life history, and, in some cases, morphology. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the influences of polyploidy on the interspecific interactions with insect communities and have found that some phytophagous insects do not respond uniformly to polyploid plants suggesting that selection pressure may differ depending on cytotype. One possible mechanism may be the concentration of anti-herbivore chemical defenses produced by the plants. Native populations of Solidago gigantea (Ait.) are comprised of three polyploid forms over much of the range of the species. Previous studies determined the chromosome number of 10 US native and 20 European invasive populations and found diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid populations throughout the native range, whereas European populations consisted of only diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Hexaploid forms were not found in the European populations sampled. We quantified sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and short-chain hydrocarbons that have been implicated as anti-herbivore defense compounds in plants that are under high selective pressure (native) and low selective pressure (invasive). Subsequent independent analysis found that hexaploid plants had a significantly higher concentration of diterpenes (F4,155 = 2.498, P = 0.045) and native diploid and hexaploid plants had a significantly higher concentration of short-chain hydrocarbons (F1,144 = 3.879, P = 0.051) that invasive plants. Native plants under higher selective pressure from herbivores produced more of two anti-herbivore defensive compounds; however, they were not consistent by cytotype. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Canisius College, Biology, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA 2 - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Field Station, 3095 Blue Goose Rd., Saukville, WI, 53080, USA 3 - Medaille College, Biology, 18 Agassiz Cr., Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
Keywords: Solidago gigantea polyploid diterpene sesquiterpene short-chain hydrocarbon invasive.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections Session: CP48 Location: Boulevard A/Hilton Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 Time: 10:30 AM Number: CP48003 Abstract ID:1248 |