Intrapopulation Genotypic Variation of Foliar Secondary Chemistry during Leaf Senescence and Litter Decomposition in Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01074
• Publication Date: 2017-06-26T03:59:32Z
• Authors: Ulla Paaso; Sarita Keski-Saari; Markku Keinänen; Heini Karvinen; Tarja Silfver; Matti Rousi; Juha Mikola
• Keywords: Betula pendula; Betulaceae; Betula pubescens; Senescence; Plant litter; Betula platyphylla

Abundant secondary metabolites, such as condensed tannins, and their interpopulation genotypic variation can remain through plant leaf senescence affect litter decomposition. Whether the intrapopulation of a more diverse assortment metabolites equally persists decomposition is not well understood. We analysed concentrations intracellular phenolics, epicuticular flavonoid aglycones, triterpenoids, tannins lignin in green leaves, senescent leaves partly decomposed silver birch, Betula pendula. Broad-sense heritability (H2) coefficient (CVG) were estimated for using 19 genotypes selected from B. pendula population southern Finland. found that most remained persistence was related to chemical properties. Intrapopulation H2 CVG aglycones high remarkably, increased litter. The rank metabolite persistent Lignin an exception, however, with diminishing during decomposition, had negative correlation leaves. Our results show part early which prerequisite initial quality predict rates. Persistent also opens avenue selection impact populations acting on foliage chemistry. correlations may, counteract this process.