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Ryser and Eek report the results of an experimental study on phenotypic plasticity in leaf and root traits in response to shading in two congeneric grasses at low nutrient supply. Their study is novel and remarkable for (1) neatly linking leaf and root traits and thus aboveground and belowground resource acquisition by measuring traits such as leaf and root thickness, specific area or length, and tissue density, and (2) comparing constraints on and consequences of phenotypic plasticity with interspecific variation in these traits with respect to the natural light environments that these species are found in. Their work provides benchmark data on effects of irradiance level on numerous plant traits. (see p. 402)

Legume news

Hu et al. examine the systematics of the Millettieae, a difficult tribe of legumes because generic relationships are still so poorly understood, and make significant contributions to legume systematics and evolution. With an extensive data set obtained from chloroplast DNA sequences (trnK/matK) the authors outline the major components of Millettieae and provide justification for removing Wisteria and Callerya.

Pascal et al. make some interesting and original observations of the leaf rachis nectaries in Erythrophleum (Tribe Caesalpinieae), one of a cluster of genera forming the sister group of mimosoids. They use their results to elucidate the origin of ant-guard defenses in mimosoids.( see p. 418 and 327 )

Norway spruce vs. bark beetles

In two papers in this issue Franceschi, Nagy, and coworkers characterize the defense responses of Norway spruce (Picea abies) that survive attack by a bark beetle (and its attendant bluestain fungus). In the first paper, using a fungal inoculation system, they show that stems of 30-yr-old Norway spruce are induced to develop an extensive new system of resin-filled, presumably defensive ducts in 36 days. In the second paper they follow the changes in phloem parenchyma and cambial zone cells after experimentally inoculating the bark with the bluestain fungus and after pheromone-induced bark-beetle attacks, demonstrating the formation of a chemically and structurally complex barrier zone to further penetration by the fungus.( see p. 302 and 314 )

Unlocking mutations in genetic mosaics

Marcotrigiano examines how somatic mutations in plants can enter the germ line. Genetic variation that arises in seedlings may not owe its origins to germ line mutations, rather somatic mutations. Marcotrigiano demonstrates how a mutation in meristematic layers not normally associated with producing gametes can be inserted into another meristematic layer that ultimately produces gametes. His hypothesis with regard to the effect of herbivory on this process has important ecological and evolutionary implications. (see p. 355)

This Article Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content