Testing local host adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in a herbivore when alternative related host plants occur sympatrically.

ABSTRACT: Host race formation in phytophagous insects can be an early stage of adaptive speciation. However, the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in host use is another possible outcome. Using a reciprocal transplant experiment we tested the hypothesis of local adaptation in the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae. Aphid genotypes derived from two sympatric host plants, Brassica oleracea and B. campestris, were assessed in order to measure the extent of phenotypic plasticity in morphological and life history traits in relation to the host plants. We obtained an index of phenotypic plasticity for each genotype. Morphological variation of aphids was summarized by principal components analysis. Significant effects of recipient host on morphological variation and life history traits (establishment, age at fir

SUBMITTER: Ruiz-Montoya L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3827116 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature