Synergistic effects of insect herbivory and changing climate on plant volatile emissions in the subarctic tundra.

ABSTRACT: Climate change increases the insect abundance, especially in Arctic ecosystems. Insect herbivory also significantly increases plant emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are highly reactive in the atmosphere and play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry and physics. However, it is unclear how the effects of insect herbivory on VOC emissions interact with climatic changes, such as warming and increased cloudiness. We assessed how experimental manipulations of temperature and light availability in subarctic tundra, that had been maintained for 30 years at the time of the measurements, affect the VOC emissions from a widespread dwarf birch (Betula nana) when subjected to herbivory by local geometrid moth larvae, the autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata) and the winter moth (Op

SUBMITTER: Rieksta J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8518364 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature