Abstract Detail

Life after Arabidopsis thaliana: Using non-model organisms to understand species interactions

Nunez-Farfan, Juan [1], Valverde, Pedro L. [2], Arroyo, Juan [3], Kariñho-Betancourt, Eunice [4], Miranda-Pérez, Adán [4], De la Mora, Marisol [4], Castillo, Guillermo [4], Calahorra-Oliart, Adriana [4], Borbolla, María [4], Tapia-López, Rosalinda [4], Cruz, Laura L. [4], Andraca-Gómez, Guadalupe [4].

The evolution of the interaction between Datura and herbivores.

The genus Datura comprises few herbaceous species, including one semi-aquatic. These plant species likely evolved in North America (Mexico and Southern USA), and nowadays inhabit in other continents. Datura´s species are attacked by specialist beetles that consume leaf tissue (Lema spp., Epitrix spp.) and immature seeds (Trichobaris spp.). The daturas are known to synthetize tropane-alkaloids, putatively defensive compounds against damage by herbivores. Here, we summarize our findings regarding the interaction of Datura with herbivores in their native range and in locations where D. stramonium has been naturalized and free from its natural enemies. Our results show broad spatial variability in the magnitude of attack by herbivores. The amount of alkaloids correlate positively with leaf damage but negatively with infestation by the seed predator. Further, selection on defensive characters (i.e., alkaloids and leaf trichomes vary among populations of D. stramonium. Both, plants and herbivores show differences in their genetic structure. Further, we show that populations of D. stramonium in Spain, where the native herbivores are absent (Spain), damage is low and selection on resistance against herbivores is rare. Finally, we discuss potential new avenues in the study of the interaction between Datura and its natural enemies.

1 - Instituto de Ecología UNAM, Ecología Evolutiva, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico, D.F., 04510, MEXICO
2 - Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Departamento de Biología, Apartado Postal 55-535, DF, 09340, Mexico
3 - UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE, Dept Biologia Vegetal Y Ecologia, UNIV DE SEVILLA/APTDO 1095, Sevilla, N/A, 41080, Spain
4 - Instituto de Ecología UNAM, Ecología Evolutiva, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico, DF, 04510, Mexico

Keywords:
Datura
Lema
Epitrix
Trichobaris
invasive species
seed predator
natural selection
resistance variation.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY10
Location: Pines North/Boise Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: SY10004
Abstract ID:502
Candidate for Awards:None