Damage induced production of extrafloral nectaries in native and invasive seedlings of Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum)

We conducted a pot experiment examining the effects of simulated leaf herbivory and supplemental soil nutrients on extrafloral nectary (EFN) glands of Sapium sebiferum seedlings derived from native Chinese and invasive Texas seed stock. We predicted that simulated herbivory and increased soil nutrients would increase EFN activity. We also predicted that Chinese genotypes would have greater EFN activity than Texas genotypes. Simulated leaf herbivory significantly stimulated effluent production on EFN glands of seedlings from both genotypes, but there were no significant differences in EFN activity between genotypes or nutrient treatments.