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Functional Plant Biology Functional Plant Biology Society
Plant function and evolutionary biology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Does foliage metal accumulation influence plant–insect interactions? A field study of two sympatric tree metallophytes

Denise R. Fernando A D , Chaya S. Smith A B , Martin J. Steinbauer A , Kevin Farnier A C , Simon J. Watson A and Peter T. Green A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic. 3086, Australia.

B Present address: School of Applied Systems Biology, Molecular Plant Breeding, Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 915 Mount Napier Road, Hamilton, Vic., 3300, Australia.

C Present address: Invertebrate and Weed Sciences, Agriculture Research Division, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, AgriBio Centre, Melbourne, Vic. 3083, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: d.fernando@latrobe.edu.au

Functional Plant Biology 45(9) 945-956 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP17366
Submitted: 25 December 2017  Accepted: 9 March 2018   Published: 10 April 2018

Abstract

Gossia (Myrtaceae) is a highly restricted tree genus most speciose in New Caledonia and eastern Australia. The latter group accumulates above-normal foliar manganese (Mn) concentrations, with some individuals exhibiting the rare Mn-hyperaccumulative trait. Whether foliar metals contribute to chemical defence has been addressed via numerous feeding experiments and very few field studies. This investigation exploited specifically different insect activities on the foliage of sympatric Gossia grayi (N.Snow & Guymer) and Gossia shepherdii (F.Muell.) N.Snow & Guymer, endemic to north-eastern Australia, to test for direct and indirect effects of foliar Mn enrichment on plant–insect interactions. Leaf organic and inorganic chemistries, specific weight, surface damage, gall infestation and occupancy were quantified. Discovery that both species are Mn hyperaccumulators augments the world listing by 5–7%. Highly elevated gall-Mn concentrations coupled with negligible gall parasitisation suggested chemical fortification and adaptation by the host insect – a Cecidomyiidae fly. Linear mixed modelling (LMM) showed differences in leaf Mn, phenolics, toughness and surface damage across tree species and leaf age. There was no direct relationship between leaf Mn and insect impact. However, LMM did resolve indirect effects, i.e. between insect impact and certain foliar elements, consistent with nutritional dynamics in a physiologically novel plant system where Mn is vastly overaccumulated.

Additional keywords: Cecidomyiidae, galling, Gossia grayi, Gossia shepherdii, hyperaccumulator, metalliferous foliage, Mn.


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