Fertilization reduces aphid population growth but does not alter competitive exclusion between specialist and generalist species.

ABSTRACT: Understanding how resource availability shapes herbivore competitive interactions is crucial for predicting pest dynamics under changing agricultural practices. Interspecific competition among herbivorous insects is mediated by host plant quality, yet mechanisms underlying competitive outcomes under varying nutrient conditions remain unclear. We investigated how fertilization with a liquid N-P-K (5:8:12.5) solution diluted to 0.2% (v/v) affects population dynamics and competitive interactions between the legume-specialist Megoura crassicauda and the generalist Aphis craccivora on pea shoots (Pisum sativum) under fertilized and unfertilized conditions. Aphid population dynamics were monitored for 30 days in single-species and mixed-species treatments, and plant survival and biomass changes

SUBMITTER: Nakatani A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711014 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature