The effects of slope orientation on plant growth, developmental instability and susceptibility to herbivores

M. Auslander, E. Nevo, M. Inbar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

South-facing slopes (SFS) may receive six times higher solar radiation than north-facing slopes (NFS). Although located only a few hundred meters apart, the microclimatic conditions on the slopes vary dramatically, affecting the biology of organisms at all levels. This study was conducted on both slopes of three canyons, where we examined leaf traits of Pistacia lentiscus L. and characterized the populations of its specific herbivore - the gall-forming aphid Aploneura lentisci Pass. Both a larger leaf size and lower gall density were found on NFS. However, gall size and leaf symmetry were not affected by slope. The unique biology of the aphids may explain their higher density on the SFS. Gall formers usually prefer and perform better on large plant organs (leaves), in accordance with the plant vigour hypothesis. Our results demonstrate that larger shaded leaves are an exception.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)405-416
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Arid Environments
Volume55
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2003

Keywords

  • Fordinae
  • Gall-forming aphids
  • Leaf asymmetry
  • Pistacia
  • Plant vigour

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Earth-Surface Processes

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