Silica Content, anatomical traits and herbivory damage in leaves with different age and solar radiation exposition of invasive tree Ligustrum lucidum.

FERNANDEZ HONAINE M.; MONTTI L. ; QI W.; OSTERRIETH M.

Conferencia; 7th International Conference on silicon in Agriculture; 2017

Ligustrum lucidum is an invasive tree out of its native distribution range (China). In Argentina many areas have been invaded by this species, resulting in significant changes in the dynamics and functionality of the ecosystems. Previous studies have detected the herbivory preference in individuals developed in different environments. In addition, there are antecedents about the presence of amorphous silica biomineralization in this species. However, little is know about how silica accumulation occurs and if its content affects the palatability. Here we showed some results about this process in L. lucidum and its possible influence in its susceptibility to herbivory.