plant-arthropod interactions

Together, plants and arthropods make up the vast majority of the biomass and a large portion of the species diversity on our planet. They impact each other's evolution via interactions that span the spectrum from antagonism to mutualism. These interactions have shaped an array of traits, the study of which can reveal fundamental information about the patterns and processes of evolution. 

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My PhD dissertation (in progress) focuses on the origin, diversity, and function of two plant traits that mediate interactions with arthropod herbivores and mutualists: trichomes and post-floral nectar. I study these traits in the plant family Loasaceae. 

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Trichomes (AKA plant hairs) are ubiquitous, ecologically important and tremendously diverse structures. Members of the Loasaceae bear some of the most intricate hairs seen in any plant lineage, including barbed, branched, needlelike, glandular, and stinging trichomes. I am exploring the evolution and functional role of Loasaceae trichomes through the lens of plant-arthropod interactions. What drives the diversity of trichome morphologies seen across species? What are the mechanisms by which trichomes impede herbivores? How do members of this family balance defense and recruitment of mutualists? 

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You likely know that many plants make sugary nectar to attract pollinators to their flowers. However, some plants keep making nectar after the flowers have withered and while the fruit are ripening. Why? Studies have shown that this "late" nectar, called post-floral (or pericarpial) nectar, attracts sugar-loving ants. In some plant species, ants defend their nectar source against herbivores, serving as plant “bodyguards.” This phenomenon is well-studied for plants that produce nectar from separate nectaries on leaves and stems (extrafloral nectaries) but we know much less about plants that continue to make nectar on the floral nectaries themselves. Does producing nectar on fruit specifically help protect the developing seeds? Are ants attracted to the nectar effective at deterring all kinds of herbivores, or just certain species? How does this relationship vary across different plant species and populations? 

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Associated Publications

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Glos, R.A.E., Weber, M. G. Multiple metrics of trichome diversity reveal independent evolutionary patterns in blazingstars (Mentzelia; Loasaceae). Evolution. 79(6):1056-1072. doi: 10.1093/evolut/qpaf054.