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Putative biotic drivers of plant phenology: with special reference to pathogens and deciduousness
  • Rowland Burdon
Rowland Burdon
Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd)

Corresponding Author:rowland.burdon@scionresearch.com

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Abstract

Plant phenology is manifested in the seasonal timing of vegetative and reproductive processes, but also has ontogenetic aspects. The adaptive basis of seasonal phenology has been considered mainly in terms of climatic drivers. However, some biotic factors as likely evolutionary influences on plants’ phenology appear to have been under-researched. Several specific cases of putative biotic factors driving plant phenology are outlined, involving both herbivores and pathogens. These illustrate the diversity of likely interactions rather than any systematic coverage or review. Emphasis is on woody perennials, in which phenology is often most multi-faceted and complicated by the ontogenetic aspect. The complete seasonal leaf fall that characterises deciduous plants may be a very important defence against some pathogens. Whether biotic influences drive acquisition or long-term persistence of deciduousness is considered. In one case; of leaf rusts in poplars, countervailing influences of the rusts and climate suggest persistence. Often, however, biotic and environmental influences likely reinforce each other. The timing and duration of shoot flushing may in at least some cases contribute to defences against herbivores, largely through brief periods of ‘predator satiation’ when plant tissues have highest food value. Wide re-examination of plant phenology, accommodating the roles of biotic factors and their interplays with environments as additional adaptive drivers, is advocated, towards developing and applying hypotheses that are observationally or experimentally testable.
04 Apr 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
05 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
05 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
05 Apr 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Apr 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
12 Apr 20221st Revision Received
16 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
16 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
16 Apr 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Apr 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
Jun 2022Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 12 issue 6. 10.1002/ece3.8932