Molecular population genetics of elicitor-induced resistance genes in European aspen (Populus tremula L., Salicaceae).

ABSTRACT: Owing to their long life span and ecological dominance in many communities, forest trees are subject to attack from a diverse array of herbivores throughout their range, and have therefore developed a large number of both constitutive and inducible defenses. We used molecular population genetics methods to examine the evolution of eight genes in European aspen, Populus tremula, that are all associated with defensive responses against pests and/or pathogens, and have earlier been shown to become strongly up-regulated in poplars as a response to wounding and insect herbivory. Our results show that the majority of these defense genes show patterns of intraspecific polymorphism and site-frequency spectra that are consistent with a neutral model of evolution. However, two of the genes, both bel

SUBMITTER: Bernhardsson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3176232 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature