Cyclical drought and herbivore threats are potential causes of leaf variegation dimorphism in Cypripedium forrestii DOI Creative Commons

Lie-Wen Lin,

Hua Huang, Weiwei Liu

et al.

Journal of Plant Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(6)

Published: Aug. 29, 2024

Abstract Leaf variegation, the mosaic of colors on leaf surface, can be developed by certain plant species without external influence. Although it may associated with a variety functions, stable existence different color morphs within has not been fully explained previous studies. This study focuses two Cypripedium forrestii, an endangered lady slipper orchid, and compares their micromorphological structure, photosynthetic potential, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), ecological features to gain comprehensive understanding underlying variegation polymorphism. Our findings demonstrate that is pathological does affect potential. Additionally, significantly reduces herbivory damage. We found probability area loss for variegated leaves was notably higher under drought conditions. Therefore, individuals more adaptive such conditions, while non-variegated ones cost-effective in normal years. These results suggest favored varying environmental polymorphism legacy ancient climate herbivore fluctuations.

Language: Английский

Cyclical drought and herbivore threats are potential causes of leaf variegation dimorphism in Cypripedium forrestii DOI Creative Commons

Lie-Wen Lin,

Hua Huang, Weiwei Liu

et al.

Journal of Plant Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(6)

Published: Aug. 29, 2024

Abstract Leaf variegation, the mosaic of colors on leaf surface, can be developed by certain plant species without external influence. Although it may associated with a variety functions, stable existence different color morphs within has not been fully explained previous studies. This study focuses two Cypripedium forrestii, an endangered lady slipper orchid, and compares their micromorphological structure, photosynthetic potential, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), ecological features to gain comprehensive understanding underlying variegation polymorphism. Our findings demonstrate that is pathological does affect potential. Additionally, significantly reduces herbivory damage. We found probability area loss for variegated leaves was notably higher under drought conditions. Therefore, individuals more adaptive such conditions, while non-variegated ones cost-effective in normal years. These results suggest favored varying environmental polymorphism legacy ancient climate herbivore fluctuations.

Language: Английский

Citations

2