Herbivore and native plant diversity synergistically resist alien plant invasion regardless of nutrient conditions.

ABSTRACT: Alien plant invasion success can be inhibited by two key biotic factors: native herbivores and plant diversity. However, few studies have experimentally tested whether these factors interact to synergistically resist invasion success, especially factoring in changing global environments (e.g. nutrient enrichment). Here we tested how the synergy between native herbivores and plant diversity affects alien plant invasion success in various nutrient conditions. For this purpose, we exposed alien plant species in pot-mesocosms to different levels of native plant diversity (4 vs. 8 species), native generalist herbivores, and high and low soil nutrient levels. We found that generalist herbivores preferred alien plants to native plants, inhibiting invasion success in a native community. Thi

SUBMITTER: Shan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11403117 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature