Natural Variation of Elaiosome and Seed Traits in Coreanomecon hylomeconoides in Korea

Abstract

The myrmecophytes are plants that have mutualistic relationship with ants. They often have seeds with specialized lipid rich appendage, elaiosome. Ants can obtain nutrients from elaiosome, and seeds can be dispersed by ants to proper sites for germination. Previous studies suggested that the foraging behavior of ants likely depends on the size and the fatty acid composition of elaiosomes. Notably, many plant species exhibit natural variation in the fatty acid composition of elaiosome among populations, but no information is available in Korean endemic myrmecophytes. As a first step to explore the interaction between Korean myrmecophytes and ant, we examined seed morphology and the fatty acid composition of elaiosomes in Coreanomecon hylomeconoides. Seeds were collected from seven natural populations (Gwangju, Boseong, Goheung, Suncheon, Gwangyang, Hadong and Sancheong) between June and August in 2018. Seed morphology was measured including seed length, elaiosome length, seed mass, elaiosome mass and each ratio. The elaiosomes were removed from the collected seeds using needles, and the fatty acid components were analyzed using GC-MS. Variable characteristics of myrmecophytes’ seeds are expected to affect ant behavior, and consequently seed dispersal in natural habitats.