IBIS-Flora

Angiosperm Flora of India

Nematode-induced galls in Miconia albicans: effect of host plant density and correlations with performance

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2013
Authors:VIANA, LEONARDORODRIGO, SILVEIRA, FERNANDOAUGUSTOOL, SANTOS, JEANCARLOS, ROSA, LUIZHENRIQUE, CARES, JUVENILE, CAFÉ-FILHO, ADALBERTOCORRÊA, FERNANDES, GERALDOWILSON
Journal:Plant Species Biology
Volume:28
Issue:1
Date Published:2013
ISBN Number:1442-1984
Keywords:biocontrol, Brazil, cerrado, density-dependent parasitism, Ditylenchus, Melastomataceae, plant–nematode interaction, Rosa
Abstract:

The study of nematodes parasitizing native plants plays a crucial role in understanding plant–pathogen interactions. In the present study we describe the patterns of attack by an undescribed species of Ditylenchus occurring in Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae), a widespread, native shrub from the Brazilian cerrado. We also tested the hypothesis that nematode-induced leaf galls negatively correlate to host plant performance and that gall density is a function of host plant density. We collected paired healthy and attacked shoots from 28 individuals of M. albicans and estimated the leaf area lost to nematode-induced galls in up to 10 leaves per shoot. We analyzed the relationships between leaf area lost to nematode galls and reproductive traits. Nematode attack levels were also compared to the spatial distribution of the host plant. Inflorescence length and fruit production were significantly reduced in attacked shoots compared with healthy shoots. Seeds from attacked shoots showed no significant reduction in germinability or germination time when compared with seeds collected from healthy shoots. Gall density was positively correlated with host density. Despite being seldom studied in tropical ecosystems, nematodes may play an important role in plant fitness and in structuring tropical communities.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-1984.2011.00358.x
Short Title:Plant Species Biology
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