HAYNES, LORI*, MELANIE ONGCHIN, CHARLES RUSSELL, AND RICHARD A. NIESENBAUM. Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA 18104-5586. - When chemistry determines ecology: The relationship between leaf chemistry and herbivory in Lindera benzoin.
Terpenes are a class of chemicals known to inhibit herbivory. Many of
these terpenes can be found in the leaves and other parts of the
dioecious plant, Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume (Lauraceae).
Leaves from male, female and juvenile plants were collected, and from
these leaves the essential oil was extracted through steam
distillation. The oil was then analyzed using gas chromatography/mass
spectroscopy. From this oil, sesquiterpene, caryophyllene, and
b-elemene have been positively identified and other compounds are in
the process of being determined from consistently appearing peaks.
Rates of herbivory significantly varied with light environment and
between reproductive and vegetative plants. By examining gas
chromatographs and mass spectra of samples in different light
environments and with gender, we will determine possible differences
in resource allocation for defense and how this relates to observed
differences in rates of herbivory.
Key words: herbviory, Lindera benzoin, phytochemistry, terpene