Unraveling the roles of genotype and environment in the expression of plant defense phenotypes

Phenotypic variability results from interactions between genotype and environment is a major driver of ecological evolutionary interactions. Measuring the relative contributions genetic variation, environment, their interaction to phenotypic variation remains fundamental goal ecology.In this study, we assess question: How do local environmental conditions interact influence phenotype within single population? We explored question using seed population common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, in northern Michigan. first measured resistance traits 14 maternal lines two garden experiments (field greenhouse) detect population. carried out reciprocal transplant experiment with three these effects on phenotype. Finally, compared our naturally growing genets be able compare effect occurring variation. defoliation levels, arthropod abundances, foliar cardenolide concentrations, latex exudation, carbon nitrogen plant growth.We found striking lack correlation trait expression gardens, or gardens genets, suggesting that plays larger role evidence significant genotype-by-environment for all except concentrations cardenolide. Milkweed chewing herbivores was associated more strongly environment. observed no among but did observe exudation.Overall, data reveal powerful most milkweed.