Within and between generation phenotypic plasticity in trichome density of Mimulus guttatus

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112 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mimulus guttatus (yellow monkeyflower) frequently produce glandular trichomes, a trait that may resist herbivory. Constitutive production of trichomes is variable both within and among populations of M. guttatus and most of this variation is genetic. This study demonstrates that damage on early leaves can induce increased trichome production on later leaves, a plastic response that is likely adaptive. Moreover, this study shows that this induction can be maternally transmitted, increasing trichome density in progeny before they experience herbivory. This transgenerational response must involve a yet undescribed epigenetic mechanism. These experiments also show genetic variation among plants in the capacity for both within and between plant generation induction. Despite the clear evolutionary importance of variation in constitutive and induced herbivory-resistance traits, few other studies have noted genetic variation in both within a plant species.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2092-2100
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Maternal effects
  • Mimulus guttatus
  • Transgenerational induction
  • Trichomes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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