Leaf life span spectrum of tropical woody seedlings: effects of light and ontogeny and consequences for survival.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Leaf life span is widely recognized as a key life history trait associated with herbivory resistance, but rigorous comparative data are rare for seedlings. The goal of this study was to examine how light environment affects leaf life span, and how ontogenetic development during the first year may influence leaf fracture toughness, lamina density and stem density that are relevant for herbivory resistance, leaf life span and seedling survival.

Methods

Data from three experiments encompassing 104 neotropical woody species were combined. Leaf life span, lamina and vein fracture toughness, leaf and stem tissue density and seedling survival were quantified for the first-year seedlings at standardized ontogenetic stages in shade houses and common gardens establ

SUBMITTER: Kitajima K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3736767 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature