Fattorini, Róisín, Egan, Paul A, Rosindell, James, Farrell, Iain W and Stevenson, Philip C
(2023)
Grayanotoxin I variation across tissues and species of Rhododendron suggest pollinator-herbivore defence trade-offs.
Phytochemistry, 212.
p. 113707.
Abstract
Grayanotoxin I (GTX I) is a major toxin in leaves of Rhododendron species, where it provides a defence against insect and vertebrate herbivores. Surprisingly, it is also present in R. ponticum nectar, and this can hold important implications for plant-pollinator mutualisms. However, knowledge of GTX I distributions across the genus Rhododendron and in different plant materials is currently limited, despite the important ecological function of this toxin. Here we characterise GTX I expression in the leaves, petals, and nectar of seven Rhododendron species. Our results indicated interspecific variation in GTX I concentration across all species. GTX I concentrations were consistently higher in leaves compared to petals and nectar. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for phenotypic correlation between GTX I concentrations in defensive tissues (leaves and petals) and floral rewards (nectar), suggesting that Rhododendron species may commonly experience functional trade-offs between herbivore defence and pollinator attraction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Rhododendron, Ericaceae, Plant defence, Functional trade-offs, Phenotypic correlation, Nectar chemicals, Grayanotoxin |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 25 May 2023 10:27 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Jul 2023 22:40 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113707 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113707 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3170686 |
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