Chenopod salt bladders deter insect herbivores

摘要: Trichomes on leaves and stems of certain chenopods (Chenopodiaceae) are modified with a greatly enlarged apical cell (a salt bladder), containing huge central vacuole. These structures may aid in the extreme tolerance many species by concentrating salts Bladders eventually burst, covering leaf residue bladder membranes solid precipitates. The presence this system non-halophytic suggests additional functions. I tested novel hypothesis that these bladders have defensive function against insect herbivores using choice, no field tests. Generalist preferred to feed without choice In tests, consumed less matter bladders. test, from which had removed suffered greater herbivory than adjacent Solutions added otherwise deterred herbivores, suggesting water-soluble chemical component defense. This has at least four genera chenopods. Salt be structural defense, like spines or domatia, but also defense component.