Temporal dynamics of inducible anti‐herbivory defenses in the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Phaeophyceae)1. Issue 3 (25th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flöthe, Carla R.; Molis, Markus; Amsler, C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of phycology. Volume 49:Issue 3(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 474
• Publication Date: 2013-03-25
• Subjects: Algae -- Periodicals; 579.8
• DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3646

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jpy12059-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Anti‐herbivory defenses support persistence of seaweeds. Little is known, however, about temporal dynamics in the induction of grazer‐deterrent seaweed traits. In two induction experiments, consumption rates of the periwinkle <italic>Littorina obtusata</italic> (L.) on the brown seaweed <italic>Ascophyllum nodosum</italic> (L.) Le Jolis were measured in 3‐d intervals. Changes in palatability of directly grazed <italic>A. nodosum</italic> were tested every 3 d with feeding assays using fresh and reconstituted seaweed pieces. Likewise, assays with fresh <italic>A. nodosum</italic> assessed changes in seaweed palatability in response to water‐borne cues from nearby grazed conspecifics. Consumption rates of <italic>L. obtusata</italic> varied significantly during the 27‐d induction phase of each experiment. Direct grazing by <italic>L. obtusata</italic> lowered palatability of fresh and reconstituted <italic>A. nodosum</italic> pieces to conspecific grazers after 15 d as well as after 6 and 12 d, respectively. After 12, 18, and 24 d, fresh <italic>A. nodosum</italic> located downstream of <italic>L. obtusata</italic>‐grazed conspecifics was significantly less palatable than <italic>A. nodosum</italic> located downstream of ungrazed conspecifics. Changes in <italic>L. obtusata</italic> consumption rates and <italic>A. nodosum</italic> palatability during both induction experiments suggest temporal variation of grazer‐deterrent responses, which may complicate experimental detection of inducible anti‐herbivory defenses.</p> </abstract>