Foliar anti-herbivore defenses in Qualea multiflora Mart. (Vochysiaceae): Changing strategy according to leaf development

• Plant synchronise foliar defenses to provide better anti-herbivory protection.
• The three defenses evaluated vary in effectiveness during leaf development.
• The amount of trichomes was higher in early leaf development.
• Foliar herbivory was similar for different leaf ages.
• Study conducted in very endangered ecosystem, tropical savanna.

Knowledge about plant defense systems against herbivory is crucial to understanding trophic relationships in terrestrial ecosystems. Distinct defenses may act either alone or in combination during foliar sprouting. In our study, we explored the effect of the three most conspicuous defenses found in the leaves of Qualea multiflora (Vochysiaceae) during foliar sprouting, which are: (1) the presence of trichomes, (2) foliar toughness and (3) activity of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). In addition, we quantified foliar herbivory at different leaf stages. We determined that the three defenses evaluated vary in effectiveness during leaf development. The number of trichomes was higher during early leaf development, toughness at the end, and the activity of EFNs (biotic defense) during the middle period. Foliar herbivory was similar at different leaf ages. The results indicate that Q. multiflora synchronizes its foliar defenses in order to optimize performance in anti-herbivory protection over time.