Adaptations of quaking aspen for defense against damage by herbivores and related environmental agents

Abstract

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) employs two major systems of defense against damage by environmental agents: chemical defense and tolerance. Aspen accumulates appreciable quantities of phenolic glycosides (salicylates) and condensed tannins in most tissues and accumulates coniferyl benzoate in flower buds. Phenolic glycosides are toxic and/or deterrent to pathogens, insects, and small mammals, and coniferyl benzoate is toxic to ruffed grouse, but the functional significance of tannins remains unclear. Levels of secondary compounds are influenced by both genetic and environmental (e.g., resource availability) factors. Tolerance is less well understood but may play an important role as an adaptation to extensive damage during herbivore outbreaks. Critically needed is an assessment of the roles of chemical defense and tolerance in relation to the foraging ecology of large mammals such as cervids.

Parent Publication

• Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO

Citation

Lindroth, Richard L. 2001. Adaptations of quaking aspen for defense against damage by herbivores and related environmental agents. In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; Eskew, Lane G., comps. Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 273-284.