Relationships between endophyte diversity and leaf properties.

Published in TREES Structure an Evolution, v. 26(2)
Authors

Sánchez-Azofeifa, G.A., Oki, Y., Fernandes, G.W., Ball, R.A. and Gamon, J.
Publication year 2012
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-011-0591-5
Affiliations
  • Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Centre for Earth Observation Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
  • Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Ecologia Evolutiva and Biodiversidade/DBG, ICB/Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CP 486, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
IAI Program

CRN3
IAI Project CRN3095
Keywords
Leaf optics
Plant–endophyte interaction
Photosynthesis
Rupestrian field
Spectral reflectance

Abstract

A single tropical plant species can harbour hundreds of endophyte species within its tissues. Beyond this, little is known about the relationship between endophyte colonization, leaf traits and spectral properties of leaves. We explore these relationships in Coccoloba cereifera, a plant well known for its symbiotic properties. Endophyte richness in C. cereifera was statistically correlated with leaf traits such as water content, the ratio of fresh weight/dry weight and polyphenol/leaf specific weight. Endophyte diversity was also related to spectral vegetation indices of chlorophyll content. The associations among endophyte diversity, leaf traits and spectral reflectance pose new questions and present new opportunities to better understand plant&ndashfungal symbioses and related leaf optical properties.