Segregação espacial e herbivoria mediada pelo sexo em C. pachystachya, uma espécie recém-chegada ao campo rupestre

Abstract

Habitat stressors and differences in reproductive allocation often represent important mechanisms influencing differential distribution among genders in populations of dioecious plant species. Plant sex can affect herbivory rates and the expression of plant defense mechanisms. This study investigates the distribution of male and female individuals of the dioecious species Cecropia pachystachya in a recently colonized rocky field area, as well as their interaction with the herbivorous insect community. Intersexual differences in leaf herbivory rates and the expression of physical defenses on leaves were analyzed. A higher number of female individuals were found near the damper environment, while most male individuals were found in drier areas, corroborating the hypothesis of differential sex distribution. Additionally, male plants exhibited a higher percentage of leaf herbivory compared to female plants. Trichome density and leaf thickness also varied with plant sex. Female plants showed more robust physical defenses than male plants. In summary, this study reinforces that leaf herbivory rates and the expression of physical defenses in the species C. pachystachya in the rocky field of the Serra do Cipó are influenced by plant sex.