Variations in direct and indirect defenses against herbivores on young plants of Mallotus japonicus in relation to soil moisture conditions.

Some plant species develop multiple defense traits. To test the hypothesis that plants with both direct and indirect defense traits mainly develop the direct and indirect defense traits under the low and high soil moisture conditions, respectively, the development of multiple defense traits on the young plants of Mallotus japonicus (Thunb.) Muell.

Effects of light on direct and indirect defences against herbivores of young plants of Mallotus japonicus demonstrate a trade-off between two indirect defence traits.

Background And Aims: Although most studies on plant defence strategies have focused on a particular defence trait, some plant species develop multiple defence traits. To clarify the effects of light on the development of multiple defence traits, the production of direct and indirect defence traits of young plants of Mallotus japonicus were examined experimentally under different light conditions.

Methods: The young plants were cultivated under three light conditions in the experimental field for 3 months from May to July.