Invasive earthworms reduce chemical defense and increase herbivory and pathogen infection in native trees.

ABSTRACT: Recent research shows that earthworms can alter defense traits of plants against herbivores and pathogens by affecting soil biochemistry. Yet, the effects of invasive earthworms on defense traits of native plants from previously earthworm-free ecosystems as well as the consequences for multitrophic interactions are virtually unknown.Here we use a combination of an observational study and a complementary experimental study to investigate the effects of invasive earthworms on leaf defense traits, herbivore damage and pathogen infection in two poplar tree species (Populus balsamifera and Populus tremuloides) native to North American boreal forests.Our observational study showed that earthworm invasion was associated with enhanced leaf herbivory (by leaf-chewing insects) in sapli

SUBMITTER: Thakur MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7891629 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature