Allelochemicals, minerals and herbivore population size

Foods containing hydrolysable or condensed tannins depleted mouse body sodium concentrations. Supplementation of tannin diets with minerals eliminated sodium depletion and reduced toxic effects caused by tannin ingestion. Similar results were obtained by providing both tannin and saponin containing...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemical systematics and ecology 1985-01, Vol.13 (2), p.195-206
Main Authors: Freeland, W.J., Calcott, P.H., Geiss, D.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
allelochemical effects
Biological and medical sciences
carrying capacity
Herbivores
Medical sciences
mineral limitation
mineral nutrients
Plant poisons toxicology
population limitation
saponins
sodium
tannins
Toxicology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Foods containing hydrolysable or condensed tannins depleted mouse body sodium concentrations. Supplementation of tannin diets with minerals eliminated sodium depletion and reduced toxic effects caused by tannin ingestion. Similar results were obtained by providing both tannin and saponin containing foods. A triterpene saponin did not cause sodium depletion. Sodium is limiting to some herbivore populations and herbivores frequently exhibit appetites for sodium. Sodium appetites and sodium population limitation are associated with consumption of tannins or other plant allelochemicals likely to cause sodium depletion. Enhanced sodium (or other mineral) requirements provides a mechanism whereby plants may maintain herbivore carrying capacities below levels likely to result in severe damage to vegetation.
ISSN:0305-1978
1873-2925
DOI:10.1016/0305-1978(85)90079-1