Genetic and ontogenetic variation in an endangered tree structures dependent arthropod and fungal communities.

ABSTRACT: Plant genetic and ontogenetic variation can significantly impact dependent fungal and arthropod communities. However, little is known of the relative importance of these extended genetic and ontogenetic effects within a species. Using a common garden trial, we compared the dependent arthropod and fungal community on 222 progeny from two highly differentiated populations of the endangered heteroblastic tree species, Eucalyptus morrisbyi. We assessed arthropod and fungal communities on both juvenile and adult foliage. The community variation was related to previous levels of marsupial browsing, as well as the variation in the physicochemical properties of leaves using near-infrared spectroscopy. We found highly significant differences in community composition, abundance and diversity paramet

SUBMITTER: Gosney BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4254790 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature