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Responses of three generations of a xylem‐feeding insect, Neophilaenus lineatus (Homoptera), to elevated CO 2
Author(s) -
Brooks G. L.,
Whittaker J. B.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
global change biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.146
H-Index - 255
eISSN - 1365-2486
pISSN - 1354-1013
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2486.1999.00239.x
Subject(s) - juncus , biology , nymph , fecundity , homoptera , botany , transpiration , xylem , population , horticulture , instar , zoology , ecology , pest analysis , photosynthesis , larva , wetland , demography , sociology
A population of the xylem‐feeding spittlebug, Neophilaenus lineatus , on blocks of natural vegetation transferred to large hemispherical chambers was studied over two generations with continuous exposure to elevated CO 2 (600 ppm). The third generation was transferred from the blocks to potted Juncus squarrosus to enable measurements of fecundity. The principal food plant throughout was Juncus squarrosus . Survival of the nymphs was reduced by more than 20% in elevated CO 2 relative to ambient (350 ppm) in both years of the main experiment. Elevated CO 2 also delayed development by one or more nymphal instars in each year. Fecundity was not significantly affected. The C/N ratio of whole Juncus leaves was increased in elevated CO 2 and the transpiration rates of the plants were reduced. These changes may have been responsible for the effect of elevated CO 2 on spittlebug performance. However, other factors such as plant architecture and microclimate may also be important.