Leaf development in Xylopia aromatica (Lam) Mart. (Annonaceae): implications for palatability to Stenoma scitiorella Walker 1864 (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae)

Brazilian Journal of Biology

Em. Varanda¹  Aa. Costa¹  Jr. Barosela¹ 

[1] ,Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto Departamento de BiologiaRibeirão Preto SP ,Brazil

关键词: Stenoma scitiorella;    Xylopia aromatica;    herbivory;    leaf development;    cerrado;    Stenoma scitiorella;    Xylopia aromatica;    herbivoria;    desenvolvimento foliar;    cerrado;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1519-69842008000400019

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Variations in specific foliar mass and water content, nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates and tannins were studied during the growth and maturation processes of the Xylopia aromatica leaves, to determine the effects of such alterations on the herbivory of Stenoma scitiorella caterpillars. This work was carried out in the physiognomy of the typical cerrado of the Parque Estadual de Vassununga, Gleba Pé-de Gigante, Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, São Paulo State, Brazil. While nutritional quality (water and nitrogen) decreases during expansion and maturation of Xylopia aromatica leaves, the chemical (tannins) and physical (sclerophylly) defenses are raised. In agreement with the observations on herbivory, the results support the hypothesis that the reduction in palatability and increase in chemical defenses of Xylopia aromatica leaves account for the caterpillars' preference for young expanding leaves.

【 授权许可】

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