The influence of below ground herbivory and plant competition on growth and biomass allocation of purple loosestrife |
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Authors: | Rolf Nötzold Bernd Blossey Elizabeth Newton |
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Institution: | (1) Zoological Institute, Christian Albrechts University, D-24098 Kiel, Germany, DE;(2) International Institute of Biological Control, European Station, CH-2800 Delémont, Switzerland, CH;(3) Biometrics Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA, US |
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Abstract: | Experiments investigating plant-herbivore interactions have primarily focused on above-ground herbivory, with occasional
studies evaluating the effect of below-ground herbivores on plant performance. This study investigated the growth of the wetland
perennial Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) under three levels of root herbivory by the weevil Hylobiustransversovittatus and three levels of plant competition by the grass Phleumpratense in a common garden. Plant growth, flowering phenology, and biomass allocation patterns of purple loosestrife were recorded
for two growing seasons. During the first year, root herbivory reduced plant height; plant competition delayed flowering;
and the interaction of root herbivory and plant competition resulted in reductions in plant height, shoot weight and total
dry biomass. Plant competition or larval feeding did not affect the biomass allocation pattern in the first year. These results
indicate the importance of interactions of plant competition and herbivory in reducing plant performance – at least during
the establishment period of purple loosestrife. In the second growing season, root herbivory reduced plant height, biomass
of all plant parts, delayed and shortened the flowering period, and changed the biomass allocation patterns. Plant competition
delayed flowering and reduced the dry weight of fine roots. The interaction of root herbivory and plant competition delayed
flowering. Root herbivory was more important than plant competition in reducing the performance of established purple loosestrife
plants. This was due, in part, to intense intraspecific competition among the grass individuals effectively preventing shoot
elongation of P. pratense and resulting in a carpet like growth.
Received: 3 April 1997 / Accepted: 27 July 1997 |
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Keywords: | Plant-insect interaction Root herbivory Biomass allocation Plant competition Biological control |
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