Tolerance to seed predation mediated by seed size increases at lower latitudes in a Mediterranean oak.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The ability of plants to allocate energy to resistance against herbivores changes with abiotic conditions and thus may vary along geographical clines, with important consequences for plant communities. Seed size is a plant trait potentially influencing plant tolerance to endoparasites, and seed size often varies across latitude. Consequently, plant tolerance to endoparasites may change across geographical clines.

Methods

The interaction between Quercus ilex (holm oak) and seed-predating Curculio spp. (weevils) was explored along most of the latitudinal range of Q. ilex. This included quantification of variation in seed size, survival likelihood of infested seeds, multi-infestation of acorns and community composition of Curculio weevils in acorns.

Key r

SUBMITTER: Bogdziewicz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6417470 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature