Sex-related differences in growth and carbon allocation to defence in Populus tremula as explained by current plant defence theories

• DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpu034
• Publication Date: 2014-05-23T02:08:50Z
• Authors: T. R. Randriamanana; L. Nybakken; A. Lavola; P. J. Aphalo; K. Nissinen; R. Julkunen-Tiitto
• Keywords: Condensed tannin; Tannin

Plant defence theories have recently evolved in such a way that not only the quantity but also quality of mineral nutrients is expected to influence plant constitutive defence. Recently, an extended prediction derived from protein competition model (PCM) suggested nitrogen (N) limitation more important for production phenolic compounds than phosphorus (P). We aimed at studying sexual differences patterns carbon allocation growth and relation N P availability Populus tremula L. seedlings. compared gender responses photosynthesis, whole-plant different combination levels P, studied how they are explained by main theories. found no concentrations, interestingly, slow-growing females had higher leaf concentration did males, genders differed their priority. There was trade-off between flavonoid-derived phenylpropanoids on one hand, salicylates other. Under limited nutrient conditions, prioritized acquisition, flavonoid condensed tannin (CT) production, while males invested above-ground biomass. Salicylate accumulation followed differentiation balance hypothesis as low mainly decreased stem salicylate content both increased amount flavonoids CTs allocated leaves lesser extent stems, which agrees with PCM. suggest discrepancy linked clearly distinct biosynthetic origins and/or metabolic costs.