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Qualitative Variation in Proanthocyanidin Composition of Populus Species and Hybrids: Genetics is the Key

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Abstract

The literature on proanthocyanidins (tannins) in ecological systems is dominated by quantitative studies. Despite evidence that the qualitative characteristics (subunit type, polymer chain length) of these complex polyphenolics are important determinants of biological activity, little is known about genetic and environmental controls on the type of proanthocyanidins produced by plants. We tested the hypothesis that genetics, season, developmental stage, and environment determine proanthocyanidin qualitative characteristics by using four Populus “cross types” (narrowleaf [P. angustifolia], Fremont [P. fremontii], F1 hybrids, and backcrosses to narrowleaf). We used thiolysis and HPLC analysis to characterize the proanthocyanidins, and found that genetics strongly control composition. The narrowleaf plants accumulate mixed procyanidin/prodelphinidins with average composition epicatechin11-epigallocatechin8-catechin2-catechin(terminal). Backcross genotypes produce mixed procyanidin/prodelphinidins similar to narrowleaf, while Fremont makes procyanidin dimers, and the F1 plants contain procyanidin heptamers. Less striking effects were noted for genotype × environment, while season and developmental zone had little effect on proanthocyanidin composition or chain length. We discuss the metabolic and ecological consequences of differences in condensed tannin qualitative traits.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to Kala Levine for acid butanol analyses, and to Michael Hughes (Statistical Consulting Center, Miami University) for assistance with the statistical analysis. Catechin trimer C-2 was a generous gift from H. H. Kolodziej. Gina Wimp, Brian Rehill, Liza Holeski, Tony Giuffre, and Adam Gusse helped collect and process the cottonwood leaf samples. J. Schweitzer, University of Tennessee, kindly provided the leaf outlines for Figure 5. Grant support: NSF REU DBI-0353915 (Miami University), the Miami University Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program, Agricultural Research Services Specific Cooperative Agreement with Miami University Number 58-1932-6-634 and NSF Frontiers in Integrative Biological Research, DEB-0425908 and NSF DEB-0841609 (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

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  1. Stuart C. Wooley

    Present address: Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Stanislaus, 1 University Circle, Turlock, CA, 95382, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA

    Ashley N. Scioneaux, Michael A. Schmidt, Melissa A. Moore & Ann E. Hagerman

  2. Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Richard L. Lindroth & Stuart C. Wooley

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  1. Ashley N. Scioneaux
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Correspondence to Ann E. Hagerman.

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Scioneaux, A.N., Schmidt, M.A., Moore, M.A. et al. Qualitative Variation in Proanthocyanidin Composition of Populus Species and Hybrids: Genetics is the Key. J Chem Ecol 37, 57–70 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-010-9887-y

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