An experimental investigation of costs of tolerance against leaf and floral herbivory in the herbaceous weed horsenettle (Solanum carolinense, Solanaceae)

Background and aims – A plant’s tolerance of herbivory depends on its ability to endure compensate for damage so as lessen the impact that herbivores have performance (e.g. growth, reproduction, or fitness). While is beneficial plants, it rarely complete, individuals in plant populations tend vary their levels tolerance. The goal this study was investigate potential costs associated with leaf floral horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), a perennial herbaceous weed often subjected high from diversity herbivores. Material methods We exposed 96 potted across eight genets factorial treatments by lace bugs simulated weevils. quantified each genet both types terms number flowers opened, seeds produced, root biomass (i.e. paternal, maternal, vegetative tolerance, respectively).Key results Plant ranged widely flower damage. there little evidence tradeoffs through different routes, strong genets’ abilities tolerate herbivore leaves flowers.Conclusion Tolerance useful defence strategy cope caused herbivores, but evolution may be constrained concomitant tradeoffs. evolutionary role identified are likely greater more species hosts, spatially temporally.