Fattorini, Roisin, Egan, Paul A., Rosindell, James, Farrell, Iain W. and Stevenson, Philip C. ORCID: 0000-0002-0736-3619 (2023) Grayanotoxin I variation across different tissues and species of Rhododendron suggest herbivore defence trade-offs. Phytochemistry, 212:113707. ISSN 0031-9422 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113707)

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Abstract

Grayanotoxin I (GTX I) is a major toxin in leaves of Rhododendron species, where it provides a defence against insect and vertebrate herbivores. Surprisingly, it is also present in R. ponticum nectar, and this can hold important implications for plant-pollinator mutualisms. However, knowledge of GTX I distributions across the genus Rhododendron and in different plant materials is currently limited, despite the important ecological function of this toxin. Here we characterise GTX I expression in the leaves, petals, and nectar of seven Rhododendron species. Our results indicated interspecific variation in GTX I concentration across all species.GTX I concentrations were consistently higher in leaves compared to petals and nectar. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for phenotypic correlation between GTX I concentrations in defensive tissues (leaves and petals) and floral rewards (nectar), suggesting that Rhododendron species may commonly experience functional trade-offs between herbivore defence and pollinator attraction.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Rhododendron; ericaceae; plant defence; functional trade-offs; phenotypic correlation; nectar chemicals; grayanotoxin
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department
Last Modified:	31 May 2023 09:49
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/42408

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