Evolutionary change from induced to constitutive expression of an indirect plant resistance

Martin Heil (), Sabine Greiner, Harald Meimberg, Ralf Krüger, Jean-Louis Noyer, Günther Heubl, K. Eduard Linsenmair and Wilhelm Boland
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Martin Heil: Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology
Sabine Greiner: Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology
Harald Meimberg: LMU Munich
Ralf Krüger: Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology
Jean-Louis Noyer: CIRAD, UMR 1096/PIA
Günther Heubl: LMU Munich
K. Eduard Linsenmair: Lehrstuhl Zoologie III, Biozentrum
Wilhelm Boland: Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology

Nature, 2004, vol. 430, issue 6996, 205-208

Abstract: Abstract Induced plant resistance traits are expressed in response to attack and occur throughout the plant kingdom1,2. Despite their general occurrence, the evolution of such resistances has rarely been investigated3. Here we report that extrafloral nectar, a usually inducible trait, is constitutively secreted by Central American Acacia species that are obligately inhabited by ants. Extrafloral nectar is secreted as an indirect resistance4, attracting ants that defend plants against herbivores5. Leaf damage induces extrafloral nectar secretion in several plant species6,7,8; among these are various Acacia species and other Fabaceae investigated here. In contrast, Acacia species obligately inhabited by symbiotic ants9 nourish these ants by secreting extrafloral nectar constitutively at high rates that are not affected by leaf damage. The phylogeny of the genus Acacia and closely related genera indicate that the inducibility of extrafloral nectar is the plesiomorphic or ‘original’ state, whereas the constitutive extrafloral nectar flow is derived within Acacia. A constitutive resistance trait has evolved from an inducible one, obviously in response to particular functional demands.

Date: 2004
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DOI: 10.1038/nature02703

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