Sosnovsky Y. Leaf structure in Ficus L. and its influence on host selectivity of herbivores under greenhouse conditions

A comparative leaf morphological and anatomical study of 33 Ficus L. species has been conducted, using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Correlations between leaf structural traits have been analysed, as well as the taxonomic and diagnostic value of the traits has been revealed. An original dichotomous diagnostic key of Ficus species and supra-specific taxa has been constructed. The trends of arthropod herbivores' host selectivity to Ficus species of particular subgenera under greenhouse conditions have been revealed. Herbivore assemblage structure on cultivated Ficus has been found for the first time to correlate with host plant leaf traits in botanical garden greenhouses.