Root herbivory induces an above-ground indirect defence

TY - JOUR

T1 - Root herbivory induces an above-ground indirect defence

AU - Wäckers, F.L.

AU - Bezemer, T.M.

N1 - Reporting year: 2003 Metis note: 3104; CTE; MTI ; PGID ; TE; file:///L:/Endnotedatabases/NIOOPUB/pdfs/Pdfs2003/Wackers_ea_3104.pdf

PY - 2003

Y1 - 2003

N2 - Indirect plant defences have largely been studied within the scope of above-ground interactions. Here we provide novel evidence that root herbivory can induce an above-ground indirect defence. Cotton plants (Gossypium herbaceum) exposed to root-feeding wireworms (Agriotes lineatus) increased their foliar extrafloral nectar production ten-fold in comparison to undamaged control plants. Mechanical root damage also yielded an increase in nectar production. In nature, extrafloral nectar production allows plants to recruit predators, which in turn protect the plant against above-ground insect herbivores. Our results show that root-feeding herbivores may alter such above-ground defensive interactions.

AB - Indirect plant defences have largely been studied within the scope of above-ground interactions. Here we provide novel evidence that root herbivory can induce an above-ground indirect defence. Cotton plants (Gossypium herbaceum) exposed to root-feeding wireworms (Agriotes lineatus) increased their foliar extrafloral nectar production ten-fold in comparison to undamaged control plants. Mechanical root damage also yielded an increase in nectar production. In nature, extrafloral nectar production allows plants to recruit predators, which in turn protect the plant against above-ground insect herbivores. Our results show that root-feeding herbivores may alter such above-ground defensive interactions.

KW - ID

U2 - 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2003.00396.x

DO - 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2003.00396.x

M3 - Article

SN - 1461-023X

VL - 6

SP - 9

EP - 12

JO - Ecology Letters

JF - Ecology Letters

IS - 1

ER -