Plant responses to insect herbivore damage are modulated by phosphorus nutrition

Interactions between plants and their herbivores are often multidimensional, complicating interpretation of herbivore-impact studies. A previous study, directed toward understanding variation in incidences of flower bud abscission among cotton plants attacked by Lygus plant bugs, revealed an unanticipated correlation between levels of phosphorus nutrition and the propensity of plants to abscise developing flower buds. Here, we further investigate the relationship between phosphorus nutrition and cotton [Gossypium hirsutum Tod. (Malvaceae)] plant responses to herbivory by tarnished plant bugs, Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae). Complementary experimental approaches and survey data both suggest that levels of phosphorus nutrition falling within the normal range of variation can influence the manner by which plants respond to herbivory. In particular, higher levels of phosphorus nutrition resulted in elevated bud abscission rates when buds were damaged. Interestingly, increased levels of abscission under high-phosphorus regimes did not translate into a decrease in overall cotton lint yield, suggesting that the 'phosphorus effect' may ultimately reflect how environmentally contingent differences in the allocation of vegetative vs. reproductive investments can provide parallel pathways to equal yields.