Impact of nematode-induced galls on Miconia prasina (Sw.) DC (Melastomataceae) traits in the Atlantic forest of northeastern Brazil

[摘要] We tested the hypothesis that parasitic Ditylenchus sp., leaf gall inductor, decrease plant performance by reducing the number of leaves, shoots, and plant height, increasing herbivory damage and nematode colonization in aggregate plants. We compared the effects on 30 paired healthy and attacked individuals of Miconia prasina . Nematode infection did not affect the number of leaves and shoots and plant height. The damage by free-feeding herbivores was greater in healthy plants, while the number of insect galls was higher in attacked plants. The number of leaf miners did not vary. Healthy plants were more grouped than the attacked plants, and the mean plant distance and the index of nematode attack were positively related.

[学科分类] 纳米科学和纳米技术

[关键词] herbivores;plant-parasitic nematode;Ditylenchus;plant-nematode interaction