Herbivory induced spatial patterns in plant physiology and gene expression under predicted future climate conditions

Herbivory induces spatial patterns of altered physiology greater than direct damage but the magnitude of this effect under future climate change conditions has yet to be examined. Using a combination of fluorescence imaging and thermography we documented spatial patterns in photosynthetic efficiency and water balance in quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides. Differences in key photosynthetic and transpiration-related genes mirrored observed differences in operating efficiency of photosynthesis and leaf temperature. Understanding the link between gene expression and altered physiology at the leaf level is imperative for deciphering how these effects alter whole plant dynamics now and as climate changes.