Trans-generational inheritance of herbivory-induced phenotypic changes in Brassica rapa.

ABSTRACT: Biotic stress can induce plastic changes in fitness-relevant plant traits. Recently, it has been shown that such changes can be transmitted to subsequent generations. However, the occurrence and extent of transmission across different types of traits is still unexplored. Here, we assessed the emergence and transmission of herbivory-induced changes in Brassica rapa and their impact on interactions with insects. We analysed changes in morphology and reproductive traits as well as in flower and leaf volatile emission during two generations with leaf herbivory by Mamestra brassicae and Pieris brassicae and two subsequent generations without herbivory. Herbivory induced changes in all trait types, increasing attractiveness of the plants to the parasitoid wasp Cotesia glomerata and decreasing vi

SUBMITTER: Kellenberger RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5824794 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature