Clonal variation in foliar chemistry of aspen: effects on gypsy moths and forest tent caterpillars

Abstract

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) exhibits striking intraspecific variation in concentrations of phenolic glycosides, compounds that play important roles in mediating interactions with herbivorous insects. This research was conducted to assess the contribution of genetic variation to overall phenotypic variation in aspen chemistry and interactions with gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar) and forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria). Thirteen aspen clones were propagated from field-collected root material. Insect performance assays, measuring survival, development, growth, and food utilization indices, were conducted with second and/or fourth instars. Leaf samples were assayed for water, nitrogen, total nonstructural carbohydrates, condensed tannins, and phenolic glycosides. Results showed substantial among-clone variation in the performance of both insect species. Chemical analyses revealed significant among-clone variation in all foliar constituents and that variation in allelochemical contents differed more than variation in primary metabolites. Regression analyses indicated that phenolic glycosides were the dominant factor responsible for among-clone variation in insect performance. We also found significant genetic trade-offs between growth and defense among aspen clones. Our results suggest that genetic factors are likely responsible for much of the tremendous phenotypic variation in secondary chemistry exhibited by aspen, and that the genetic structure of aspen populations may play important roles in the evolution of interactions with phytophagous insects.