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INSECTS MEDIATE THE EFFECTS OF PROPAGULE SUPPLY AND RESOURCE AVAILABILITY ON A PLANT INVASION
Author(s) -
Sanders Nathan J.,
Weltzin Jake F.,
Crutsinger Gregory M.,
Fitzpatrick Matthew C.,
Nuñez Martin A.,
Oswalt Christopher M.,
Lane Kristin E.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.1890/06-1449.1
Subject(s) - propagule , biology , herbivore , invasive species , introduced species , ecology , biodiversity , ecosystem , propagule pressure , abundance (ecology) , plant ecology , agronomy , biological dispersal , population , demography , sociology
Invasive species are a global threat to biodiversity and the functioning of natural ecosystems. Here, we report on a two‐year experiment aimed at elucidating the combined and relative effects of three key controls on plant invasions: propagule supply, soil nitrogen (N) availability, and herbivory by native insects. We focus on the exotic species Lespedeza cuneata , a Rank 1 invasive species. Propagule supply and soil N‐availability interacted to control the density and foliar cover of L. cuneata . In low N plots, density and foliar cover of L. cuneata were higher in the propagule addition plots than in the plots to which propagules were not added. Surprisingly, this interaction was significant only when the abundance of herbivores was experimentally reduced. This experiment provides evidence that native insect herbivores mediate the interactive effects of propagule supply and resources on invasion by a widespread invasive plant species.