Further evidence for the importance of residual leaf protein complexes in litter decomposition and the supply of nitrogen for plant growth

Handley, W. R. C.

doi:10.1007/bf01421749

Cited by 116 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 20 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Initial absolute increases were observed in LM litter and are similar to those observed in other studies for lignin (Kaushik & Hynes 1968, Triska et al 1975, Suberkropp et al 1976) and nitrogen (Mikola 1955, King & Heath 1967, Odum et al 1979. These increases may have resulted from the formation of insoluble complexes from the binding of proteins and soluble phenolics present in the plants at the time of senescence (Handley 1961). No such increase occurred during the first 2 wk of decay in CB this study initially contained 11 to 12 % lignin means f SE (Fig.…”

Section: Bound Phenolicssupporting

confidence: 88%

“…Previous studies have generally employed the method of Van Soest (1963) for lignin determinations in decaylng litter (Triska et al 1975, Suberkropp et al 1976, Godshalk & Wetzel 1978a, 1978b, although this technique potentially overestimates lignin concentrations since complexes formed by the binding of nitrogenous compounds by phenolics (Handley 1961, Van Sumere et al 1975, Swift et al 1979) are reported as lignin (Suberkropp et al 1976). Lignin determinations by the UV absorption method are not subject to such interference (Morrison 1972a(Morrison , 1972b, but do assume that the molar absorptivity ( E~~~) of the residual lignin is unaltered by decay (Crawford 1981).…”

Section: Bound Phenolicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Decomposition in salt marsh ecosystems: phenolic dynamics during decay of litter of Spartina alterniflora

Wilson¹,

Buchsbaum²,

Valiela³

et al. 1986

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

101

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Loss of weight and change in concentration of soluble phenolics, bound phenolics, lignins, and cell wall material were followed over 2 yr of decay in 4 types of litter of Spartina alterniflora. The pattern of weight loss showed rapid leaching during the first month, temperaturedependent decay during the first year, and little further loss during the second year. Soluble phenolics were lost throughout decomposition. Initially some soluble phenolics may become attached to cell walls; absolute increases in bound phenolics were observed in low marsh litters during the first 2 wk of decay. Lignins were lost at the slowest rate from litter material and increased in relative concentration during decay. Intraspecific differences in litter quality were small, and did not alter the pattern of decomposition among the 4 types of litter. Changes in chemical composition of litter during decay, however, were major controls of decay rates during the second and third phases of decomposition. Decreasing weight loss correlated with increasing lignin and nitrogen content. The increase in nitrogen presumably reflected synthesis of refractory nitrogen-enriched complexes. As decay continued, the litter became progressively enriched in recalcitrant lignin and nitrogen-enriched complexes and little further loss of organic matter occurred.

show abstract

Section: Bound Phenolicssupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Bound Phenolicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decomposition in salt marsh ecosystems: phenolic dynamics during decay of litter of Spartina alterniflora

Wilson¹,

Buchsbaum²,

Valiela³

et al. 1986

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

101

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Handley ( 1961) has found that tannins reduce the ability of microbial organisms to break down leaf protein, owing to the formation of leaf proteintannin complexes. Tannins are known to inhibit th~ growth of fungi (e.g., Wise and Jahn 1952, Pndham 1960, Swain and Bate-Smith 1962, Williams 1963 and the transmission of viruses (Bawden andKleczkowski 1945, Cadman 1960), probably by tanning the fungal pectolytic enzymes (Byrde, Fielding, andWilliams 1960, Williams 1963) and the virus nucleoprotein (White 1956, Cadman 1960).…”

Section: Defensive Function Of Tannins In Plantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal Changes in Oak Leaf Tannins and Nutrients as a Cause of Spring Feeding by Winter Moth Caterpillars

Feeny

1970

Ecology

1,761

1,268

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. Concentration in the spring of feeding by caterpillars of the winter moth, Operophtera brumata L., and other species of Lepidoptera on oak trees in England is believed to be related to seasonal changes in the texture and chemical composition of the leaves. Increasing leaf toughness is a proximate, though probably not ultimate, factor preventing late larval feeding by the winter moth, the commonest spring species on oak. Early feeding coincides with maximum leaf protein content and minimum leaf sugar content, which suggests that availability of nitrogen, rather ·than of carbohydrate, may be a limiting factor for spring-feeding larvae. The content of oak leaf tannins, which inhibit the growth of winter moth larvae, increases during the summer and may render leaves less suitable for' insect growth by further reducing the availability of nitrogen and perhaps also by influencing leaf palatability. Oak trees are extensively damaged by insect attack, and it is likely that leaf tannins have a defensive function against insects as well as against other herbivores and against pathogens.

show abstract

“…Tannin-protein complexes are difficult to mineralise, and subsequently, they determine the proportions of nitrogen released in dissolved organic and inorganic forms (NH 4 ? , NO 3 -) (Handley 1961;Northup et al 1995) Ericaceous plants can use organic nitrogen more efficiently due to symbiosis with ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (Bending and Read 1997). Via the exudative enzymes, these fungi are able to solubilise tanninprotein complexes (Bending and Read 1997).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of nutrient supply and light intensity on tannins and mycorrhizal colonisation in Dutch heathland ecosystems

Hofland-Zijlstra

Berendse

2008

Plant Ecol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

(1) Increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition has shifted plant dominance from ericaceous plants to grass species. To elucidate the reduced competitiveness of heather, we tested the hypothesis that additions of nitrogen reduce the concentrations of phenolics and condensed tannins in ericaceous leaves and retard mycorrhizal colonisation in ericaceous plants. We also tested the negative effects of reduced light intensity on carbon-based secondary compounds and mycorrhizal colonisation in ericaceous plants. (2) We performed a field inventory at three heathland sites in the Netherlands varying in nutrient supply and light intensity. Leaves of ericaceous plants and grasses were collected and analysed for concentrations of tannins, phenolics and nutrients. Similarly, we took root samples to record mycorrhizal colonisation and soil samples to measure the soil mineralisation. In addition, we conducted two-factorial experiments with Calluna vulgaris plants, in which we varied fertiliser and shade levels under greenhouse and field conditions. (3) The field inventory revealed that nitrogen addition and shading both negatively affected the concentration of total phenolics. The total phenolics and condensed tannin concentrations were positively correlated (P \ 0.001), but in the field experiment, the condensed tannins were not significantly affected by the treatments. Our results provide the first evidence that the carbon nutrient balance can be used to predict the amount of total phenolics in the dwarf shrub C. vulgaris. (4) In the field experiments, shading of plants resulted in significantly less mycorrhizal colonisation. Only in the greenhouse experiment did addition of nitrogen negatively affect mycorrhizal colonisation. (5) Our results imply that increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition can depress the tannin concentrations in ericaceous plants and the mycorrhizal colonisation in roots, thereby reducing the plants' competitiveness with respect to grasses. Additionally, if ericaceous plants are shaded by grasses that have become dominant due to increased nitrogen supply, these effects will be intensified and competitive replacement will be accelerated.

show abstract

Further evidence for the importance of residual leaf protein complexes in litter decomposition and the supply of nitrogen for plant growth

Abstract: been air dried. Thus Calluna vulgaris leaf extract--gelatin complex was less readily solubihzed than the Chamaenerion angusti/olium leaf extract--gelatin complex.If this resistance to solubilization is the basis of a resistance --37 --

Cited by 116 publications

References 20 publications

Decomposition in salt marsh ecosystems: phenolic dynamics during decay of litter of Spartina alterniflora

Decomposition in salt marsh ecosystems: phenolic dynamics during decay of litter of Spartina alterniflora

Seasonal Changes in Oak Leaf Tannins and Nutrients as a Cause of Spring Feeding by Winter Moth Caterpillars

The effect of nutrient supply and light intensity on tannins and mycorrhizal colonisation in Dutch heathland ecosystems

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About