Trade-offs between growth, reproduction and defense in response to resource availability manipulations

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201873
• Publication Date: 2018-08-22T13:32:40Z
• Authors: Juliana Tuller; Robert J. Marquis; Samara M. M. Andrade; Angelo B. Monteiro; Lucas D. B. Faria
• Keywords: Tannin; Condensed tannin

The Brazilian Cerrado is one of the most endangered biomes in world. We evaluated sustainability leaf harvest important tree species, Stryphnodendron adstringens. bark this used as a source medicinal tannin. Harvesting bark, however, often kills tree. In manipulative field experiment, we tested hypothesis that harvesting leaves, which might serve an alternative tannin, would be less detrimental for survival, growth, reproduction, and defense than bark. two-way crossed experimental design, either clipped 100% plant's leaves or applied NPK fertilizer to soil. Our predictions outcomes were based on plant resource theory. Growth was determined by total dry mass production, reproduction inflorescence fruit production traits, phenolics, hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins. Fertilization had marginally positive effect mass. Defoliation no subsequent importantly, plants died result defoliation. found high tannin amounts S. adstringens produced both prior clipping, further suggesting could sustainable After invested more reproduction. results suggest may need investigation properties tannins formulate viable management plan exploitation species.