Local adaptation of Ruellia nudiflora (Acanthaceae) to biotic counterparts: complex scenarios revealed when two herbivore guilds are considered

J Evol Biol. 2009 Nov;22(11):2288-97. doi: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01847.x. Epub 2009 Sep 29.

Abstract

This study evaluated whether the herb Ruellia nudiflora is locally adapted to a specialist insect seed predator (SP) and insect folivores, and if plant local adaptation (LA) to the former is more likely. A reciprocal transplant experiment was conducted using three sites in Yucatan (Mexico) (n = 864 plants). A third of the plants of each origin were placed at each site, and we recorded the following during a 9-month period: fruit number, leaf damage, and fruits attacked by SP. Results indicated lack of plant LA for all the variables measured. Instead, seed predation was c. 100% greater for native plants at one study site, suggesting insect LA or plant maladaptation; folivory was homogeneous across sites/origins. Based on these results, we discuss differences in the potential each herbivore guild has to promote plant LA, as well as divergent evolutionary outcomes of plant-herbivore interactions across sites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acanthaceae / embryology
  • Acanthaceae / growth & development
  • Acanthaceae / physiology*
  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Animals
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Fruit / physiology
  • Insecta / physiology
  • Mexico
  • Plant Leaves / physiology
  • Seeds / physiology