Nematode‐induced galls in Miconia albicans: effect of host plant density and correlations with performance |
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Authors: | LEONARDO RODRIGO VIANA FERNANDO AUGUSTO OLIVEIRA SILVEIRA JEAN CARLOS SANTOS LUIZ HENRIQUE ROSA JUVENIL E. CARES ADALBERTO CORRÊA CAFÉ‐FILHO GERALDO WILSON FERNANDES |
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Affiliation: | 1. Evolutionary Ecology and Biodiversity;2. Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, 38400‐901, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais;3. Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270‐901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais;4. Department of Phytopathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, 70910‐900, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil |
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Abstract: | The study of nematodes parasitizing native plants plays a crucial role in understanding plant–pathogen interactions. In the present study we describe the patterns of attack by an undescribed species of Ditylenchus occurring in Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae), a widespread, native shrub from the Brazilian cerrado. We also tested the hypothesis that nematode‐induced leaf galls negatively correlate to host plant performance and that gall density is a function of host plant density. We collected paired healthy and attacked shoots from 28 individuals of M. albicans and estimated the leaf area lost to nematode‐induced galls in up to 10 leaves per shoot. We analyzed the relationships between leaf area lost to nematode galls and reproductive traits. Nematode attack levels were also compared to the spatial distribution of the host plant. Inflorescence length and fruit production were significantly reduced in attacked shoots compared with healthy shoots. Seeds from attacked shoots showed no significant reduction in germinability or germination time when compared with seeds collected from healthy shoots. Gall density was positively correlated with host density. Despite being seldom studied in tropical ecosystems, nematodes may play an important role in plant fitness and in structuring tropical communities. |
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Keywords: | biocontrol Brazil cerrado density‐dependent parasitism Ditylenchus plant– nematode interaction |
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