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Dryad

Data from: Persistent inner tepals and wings protect developing seeds of Rheum nanum from insect herbivory in Central Asian cold deserts

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Aug 09, 2024 version files 132.30 KB

Abstract

Although the post-dispersal functions of diaspore (fruit and its appendages) have been reported, little is known about their protective/defensive functions. In this context, Rheum nanum diaspores with appendages (persistent inner tepals and/or fruit wings) that experienced pre-dispersal herbivory by insects in natural populations of Rheum nanum were investigated, i.e., the percentage of diaspores with appendages damaged by insects; The data of the seed abortion percentage, seed and embryo masses, and germination of seeds from diaspores with different categories of insect herbivory of R. nanum. 

These experimental indices were used to answer the following questions: 

(1) How prevalent is pre-dispersal insect herbivory in natural populations of R. nanum?

(2) Do seeds abort when diaspores receive pre-dispersal insect herbivory? 

(3) What are the impacts of pre-dispersal insect herbivory on seed mass and germination of R. nanum?