Abstract
Compared with green plants, variegated plants compensated for the reduced photosynthetic efficiency of each leaf by producing more leaf area per unit of biomass. This altered growth pattern indicates that nutrients must be more mobile in variegated plants to support the new leaf growth. The movement of plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, has been linked to the performance of several phloem feeding insects. The fecundity of two phloem feeding insects was examined to determine if factors that increased nitrogen movement could improve their performance. The fecundity of Unaspis euonymi and Aphis fabae was observed, respectively, on stems and leaves of variegated and green Euonymus japonica var. aureus. Fecundity of both phloem feeders was improved on the variegated plants. In addition to examining interplant variation in suitability, intraplant variation was examined for A. fabae. Young variegated leaves provided the most suitable substrate for this insect. These data suggest that horticulturally important attributes such as variegation can affect the susceptibility of ornamental plants to insect pests. Variegation alters normal patterns of growth and nutrient transport in a manner that suggests an increased flux of mobile nutrients. These changes are likely to enhance the fecundity of associated sucking insects such as aphids and scales.
Published Version
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