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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The ecophysiology of a neotropical mistletoe depends on the leaf phenology of its tree hosts

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Author(s):
Cocoletzi, Eliezer [1] ; Angeles, Guillermo [2] ; Briones, Oscar [2] ; Ceccantini, Gregorio [3] ; Ornelas, Juan Francisco [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Veracruzana, Xalapa 91090, Veracruz - Mexico
[2] Inst Ecol AC, Xalapa 91070, Veracruz - Mexico
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biosci, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY; v. 107, n. 9 SEP 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Premise Mistletoes parasitize many hardwood and softwood tree species; however, they play key roles in forest ecosystems. Adult individuals ofPsittacanthus schiedeanustake up water and xylem nutrients from both deciduous and evergreen host trees, suggesting the ability to modify its physiology according to the availability of host resources. Yet, there is little information regarding the effects of mistletoes on their host trees from the eophyll stage to reproductive phases of the parasite. Methods Taking advantage of the fact thatP. schiedeanuscan reach sexual maturity in 1 year, we investigated its physiological performance during development on deciduous (Liquidambar styraciflua) and evergreen (Quercus germana) host trees in a cloud forest in eastern Mexico. Variables related to chlorophyll fluorescence, carbon assimilation, photosynthetic pigments, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon contents of the parasite and non-infected and infected hosts were analyzed in a nursery experiment. Results Mistletoe had lower water-use efficiency and higher transpiration rates than the host species did. Despite the fact thatP. schiedeanusobtained resources from species with differing phenology and resource availability, the parasite steadily improved its CO(2)assimilation, electron transport rate, and nutrient content from seedling establishment to adult life stages. Mistletoe decreased the photosynthetic reactions of carbon metabolism in the deciduous host, photosynthetic light reactions in the evergreen host, and nutritional status of both host species, mostly in the evergreen host. Conclusions The hypothesis that mistletoes adjust their physiology according to the availability of host resources could extend to the early growth of the parasite. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/22833-1 - Wood functional anatomy and hydraulic archtecture on the connection between hemiparasitic plants and its hosts
Grantee:Diego Demarco
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants