I would like to hear the "real" answer to this one. I can only guess that
perhaps they can tell anatomically since C4 plants have a thick bundle
sheath and even have a bundle sheath in dicots. I would assume that would
mean that aphids with a stylet that can reach fluids of xylem or phloem
(depending on aphid species) in plants with no bundle sheath or with a
thinner one would be unable to reach into the ones with thicker ones, so
it would probably take a different species of aphid to penetrate the C4
plants. Please let us know if you get a definitive answer.
Janice
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Janice M. Glime, Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931-1295
jmglime at mtu.edu
906-487-2546
FAX 906-487-3167
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>
> I was wondering if any one could help me, I am an A level biology student
> and I have been set a question on how aphids can tell the difference between
> C4 and C3 plants and why they need to. I have looked everywhere with no
> avail.
>> Any help would be really appreciated,
>> Many Thanks,
>> Jeremy Lightfoot
>>
