Herbivore and fungal pathogen exclusion affects the seed production of four common grassland species.

ABSTRACT: Insect herbivores and fungal pathogens can independently affect plant fitness, and may have interactive effects. However, few studies have experimentally quantified the joint effects of insects and fungal pathogens on seed production in non-agricultural populations. We examined the factorial effects of insect herbivore exclusion (via insecticide) and fungal pathogen exclusion (via fungicide) on the population-level seed production of four common graminoid species (Andropogon gerardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, Poa pratensis, and Carex siccata) over two growing seasons in Minnesota, USA. We detected no interactive effects of herbivores and pathogens on seed production. However, the seed production of all four species was affected by either insecticide or fungicide in at least one year of the

SUBMITTER: Dickson TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2920334 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature