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Developmental Trajectories in Cottonwood Phytochemistry

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Abstract

We examined the hypothesis that ecologically important phytochemical traits differ predictably among various developmental zones of trees (i.e., mature and juvenile zones of individual trees and juvenile ramets that sprout from roots) and that the slope of this phytochemical gradient represents a “developmental trajectory.” We focused on Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood), P. angustifolia (narrowleaf cottonwood), and their natural hybrids. Two major patterns emerged. First, within narrowleaf and hybrids, concentrations of important phytochemicals (condensed tannins and phenolic glycosides) differ greatly and predictably between developmental zones. Second, developmental trajectories differ greatly among these cottonwood species and their hybrids: Fremont exhibits a flat trajectory, narrowleaf a steep trajectory, and hybrids an intermediate trajectory, suggesting an additive genetic component and an ontogenetic basis to this phytochemical variation. Because diverse herbivorous species respond to the phytochemistry of their host plants, we predict that the developmental trajectories of plants play a major role in mediating ecological interactions and structuring communities, and that biodiversity in a stand of trees is determined by both interplant genetic diversity and intraplant ontogenetic diversity.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Jack Donaldson and Michael Stevens for stimulating discussions and the Ogden Nature Center, Ogden, UT, for accommodating our common gardens and providing an opportunity to educate the public on the conservation value of cottonwoods and riparian habitat. Shane Anderson, Matthias Dahnert, Kate Larson, Amanda Thompson, and Gina Wimp assisted with leaf collection, and Lindsay Wieczorek, Heidi Barnhill, and Kelly Crowner helped with chemical analyses. The comments of two anonymous reviewers greatly improved the manuscript. This research was supported by NSF grants DEB-0078280 and DEB-0425908.

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  1. Brian J. Rehill

    Present address: Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, 572M Holloway Road, Annapolis, MD, 21402, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Road, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Brian J. Rehill & Richard L. Lindroth

  2. Department of Biological Sciences and The Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA

    Thomas G. Whitham, Gregory D. Martinsen & Joseph K. Bailey

  3. School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA

    Jennifer A. Schweitzer

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Rehill, B.J., Whitham, T.G., Martinsen, G.D. et al. Developmental Trajectories in Cottonwood Phytochemistry. J Chem Ecol 32, 2269–2285 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9141-9

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