Induced defense and its cost in two bryophyte species

Premise Current knowledge about defense strategies in plants under herbivore pressure is predominantly based on vascular plants. Bryophytes are rarely consumed by herbivores since they have ample secondary metabolites. However, it unknown whether bryophytes induced defenses against herbivory and there a trade-off between growth bryophytes. Methods In an experiment with two peatland bryophytes, Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. S. fuscum (Schimp.) H. Klinggr., kinds of herbivory, clipping scissors grazing mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.) were simulated. At the end experiment, we measured traits, carbon-based compounds (total phenolics cellulose) storage nonstructural carbohydrates) these species. Results Grazing but not increased total C:N ratio reduced biomass production height increment. A negative relationship was found fuscum, indicating growth–defense that species-specific. sugar starch content fuscum. Either or had no effect chlorophyll fluorescence (including actual maximum photochemical efficiency photosystem II) except significant observed. Conclusions Our results suggest can this come at cost growth. These findings advance our earliest land