Differentiation of persistent anatomical defensive structures is costly and determined by nutrient availability and genetic growth-defence constraints.

摘要: Conifers exhibit a number of chemical and anatomical mechanisms to defend against pests pathogens. Theory predicts an increased investment in plant defences under limited nutrient availability, but while this has been demonstrated for defences, it rarely shown defensive structures. In long-lived woody plant, we tested the hypothesis that availability may promote improved differentiation persistent defences. We also hypothesized costs those long-term structures be determined by genetic constraints on early growth potential. Using Pinus pinaster Ait. juveniles, performed greenhouse study with 15 half-sib families subjected experimental manipulation phosphorus (P) herbivory-related induced responses. When plants were ∼30 cm high, half material was treated methyl jasmonate induce 2 weeks later harvested abundance resin canals cortex xylem assessed. Density constitutive total canal system ∼1.5-fold higher P than fully fertilized plants. Availability did not significantly influence inducibility traits. found negative correlations between density system, only conditions nutrition. These results demonstrate first time anatomicalbased is affected limitation. Moreover, evidence existence investment, where lineages highest potential showed lowest canals.