Influence of phylogenetic diversity of plant communities on tri-trophic interactions.

ABSTRACT: Phylogenetic diversity of plant communities can influence the interaction between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Plant communities with phylogenetically distant species tend to present a wide variety of functional traits and ecological niches, which in turn can influence competitive interactions among plants as well as food and habitat quality for herbivores and their natural enemies. To assess some different mechanisms by which phylogenetic diversity of plant communities can influence herbivores and their natural enemies, we established 12 experimental plots of tropical trees with two treatments: high and low phylogenetic diversity. We measured plant growth and anti-herbivore defenses, herbivore foliar damage, and predator activity in seven species that were present in bot

SUBMITTER: Alavez V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10615933 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature