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Variation in total phenols and condensed tannins in Eucalyptus : leaf phenology and insect grazing
Author(s) -
MACAULEY BARRY J.,
FOX LAUREL R.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
australian journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1442-9993
pISSN - 0307-692X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-9993.1980.tb01229.x
Subject(s) - eucalyptus , phenology , proanthocyanidin , herbivore , myrtaceae , condensed tannin , phenols , biology , grazing , growing season , seasonality , dry season , botany , insect , agronomy , horticulture , ecology , polyphenol , antioxidant , biochemistry
Total phenols and condensed tannins in leaves of seven species of Eucalyptus ranged from 4–40% and 0–27% respectively of the leaf dry weight. The concentrations of these compounds were variable but usually high in young and older leaves throughout the growing season, and typically increased during winter, but no other trends with season or leafage were apparent. This pattern of seasonal variation in concentrations of total phenols and condensed tannins is different to that studied for other plant species. This difference may be related to repeated production of new leaves by Eucalyptus during the growing season, and the probability that these leaves will be attacked by herbivorous insects.