Why it matters where on a leaf a folivore feeds.

摘要: Because the tip of many dicot leaves matures and ceases expansion well before base, we predicted that removal a given amount leaf tissue from base an expanding would result in greater reductions final area overall plant performance than same or either mature, fully expanded leaves. We tested this notion by removing circular 3.9 cm2 hole rapidly (20–30% expanded, two nodes apex) nearly mature (85–100% five tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum) measuring hole, damaged leaf, number mass fruits produced plant. A removed resulted almost 4 times visible damage occurred when was applied to over twice on leaf. Furthermore, 40% reduction have achieved without 35% produced. These results not only suggest where folivore feeds has consequences ultimate can reach performance, but they also strong implications for research areas plant-herbivore interactions. For example, these data show lack consideration developmental patterns gross overestimates consumption folivores severe under-estimates effect folivory display.