Within-individual leaf trait variation increases with phenotypic integration in a subtropical tree diversity experiment.

Covariation of plant functional traits, that is, phenotypic integration, might constrain their variability. This was observed for inter- and intraspecific variation, but there is no evidence of a relationship between phenotypic integration and the functional variation within single plants (within-individual trait variation; WTV), which could be key to understand the extent of WTV in contexts like plant-plant interactions. We studied the relationship between WTV and phenotypic integration in c.

Leaf Nutritional Content, Tree Richness, and Season Shape the Caterpillar Functional Trait Composition Hosted by Trees.

Nutritional content of host plants is expected to drive caterpillar species assemblages and their trait composition. These relationships are altered by tree richness-induced neighborhood variation and a seasonal decline in leaf quality. We tested how key functional traits related to the growth and defenses of the average caterpillar hosted by a tree species are shaped by nutritional host quality.

Deciphering the main determinants of O tolerance in Euramerican poplar genotypes.

Tropospheric ozone (O) is the main secondary pollutant and considered to be the most damaging for growth and productivity. O is well known to induce oxidative stress and Reactive Oxygen Species accumulation in leaf tissues. Several mechanisms have been suggested to enable trees to cope with such stress; however, their relative contribution to O tolerance is still unclear.