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Sex-specific scaling of leaf phosphorus vs. nitrogen under unequal reproductive requirements in Eurya japonica, a dioecious plant.

Dong HeXiang-Yu LiuLi-Ting Zheng
Published in: American journal of botany (2024)
The lower ratio of proportional changes in P vs. N for females likely reflects stronger P limitation for their vegetative growth, as they require greater P investments in fruiting. Therefore, P vs. N scaling can be a key avenue allowing for sex-specific strategic optimization under unequal reproductive requirements. This study uncovers a hidden aspect of secondary sex character in dioecious plants, and highlights the use of trait scaling to understand sex-defined economic strategies.
Keyphrases
  • gene expression
  • dna methylation
  • heavy metals