Digital Commons Network^™

Modeling Simultaneous Selection For Resistance And Tolerance In Goldenrod (Solidago Altissima) Across A Range Of Spittlebug Population Densities, Michael J. Wise, Warren G. Abrahamson Ii

Warren G. Abrahamson, II

Plant defenses against herbivory include two main strategies: resistance (to minimize the amount of damage) and tolerance (to minimize the fitness impact of that damage). Recent studies have emphasized the need to consider both strategies simultaneously for a fuller understanding of the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of plant defense against herbivores. We used a combination of a garden study, a greenhouse experiment, and mathematical modeling to investigate resistance to and tolerance of spittlebug damage in the goldenrod Solidago altissima. In contrast to traditional expectations, the genetic correlation between resistance and tolerance was highly positive. Selection gradients indicated that directional selection …