Evolution of fast-growing and more resistant phenotypes in introduced common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

0394553 - BÚ 2014 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Kumschick, S. - Hufbauer, R. A. - Alba, Christina - Blumenthal, D. M.
Evolution of fast-growing and more resistant phenotypes in introduced common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).
Journal of Ecology. Roč. 101, č. 2 (2013), s. 378-387. ISSN 0022-0477. E-ISSN 1365-2745
Institutional support: RVO:67985939
Keywords : invasion * herbivory * resource availability
Subject RIV: EF - Botanics
Impact factor: 5.694, year: 2013

High biomass, strong responses to high water availability and low root: shoot ratio suggest that mullein has evolved a fast-growing, weedy phenotype in its introduced range rather than adapting to a low-water environment through increased root growth. Although fast-growing plants can be more palatable to herbivores, in this case there does not appear to be a trade-off between growth and defence against a generalist herbivore. Mullein appears to have evolved to be both faster growing and better defended in the introduced range.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0222765