Growth, reproduction and defence in nettles: responses to herbivory modified by competition and fertilization.

摘要: We studied the effects of environmental factors on ability to compensate for simulated herbivory in an annual (Urtica urens) and two perennial (U. dioica subspp. sondenii) nettle species order test compensatory continuum hypothesis. Further, we expression costs structural defence different conditions. Herbivory interacted significantly with density fertilization height growth, branching reproductive traits. The negative relative growth were less detrimental plants grown low high level, which supports However, respect other traits measured, our results do not support idea continuum. apical excision inflorescence biomass relatively more prominent growing at receiving than those worse In addition, was reduced by regardless resource levels. lack compensation is explained role damaged or removed tissue plays plant development function. U. dioica, defensive responses herbivory, measured as changes trichome density, stronger urens. southern subspecies increased newly emerged leaves after leaf clipping. northern sondenii, excision. differences between may be due differential natural pressures inhabiting geographical regions. observed phenotypic correlations traits, suggests existence defence. addition among studied, dependent