Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the inheritance pattern of phenolic secondary compounds in pure and hybrid willows and its consequences for plant resistance to leaf-feeding insects. F1, F2, and back-cross hybrids along with pure species were produced by hand pollination of pure, naturally-growing Salix caprea (L., Salicaceae) and S. repens (L.) plants. Leaf concentrations of condensed tannins and seven different phenolic glucosides were determined by using butanol-HCl and HPLC analyses. Insect herbivore leaf damage was measured on the same leaves as used for chemical analyses. We found hybrids to be approximately intermediate between the parental species: S. caprea with high levels of condensed tannins and no phenolic glucosides, and S. repens with low levels of condensed tannins and high levels of phenolic glucosides. We also found a negative correlation between concentrations of condensed tannins and phenolic glucosides, suggesting a trade-off in production of these two substances. F2 hybrids and the hybrid back-crossed to S. caprea were significantly more damaged by insect herbivores than the parental species and the F1 hybrid, indicating reduced resistance and possibly a selective disadvantage for these hybrid categories

Published in

Journal of Chemical Ecology
2003, volume: 29, number: 5, pages: 1143-1158
Publisher: KLUWER ACADEMIC/PLENUM PUBL

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