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Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter

Published on: March 12, 2013

Aboveground-belowground herbivore interactions: a meta-analysis.

Scott N Johnson¹, Katherine E Clark, Susan E Hartley

¹Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia. Scott.Johnson@uws.edu.au

|November 29, 2012

Summary

Interactions between aboveground (AG) and below-ground (BG) herbivores are complex. A meta-analysis revealed that herbivore arrival sequence, plant type, and herbivore species significantly influence these interactions, challenging previous predictions.

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Herbivore-induced Blueberry Volatiles and Intra-plant Signaling

Herbivore-induced Blueberry Volatiles and Intra-plant Signaling

Published on: December 18, 2011

Area of Science:

Ecology
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Food Webs

Background:

Interactions between aboveground (AG) and below-ground (BG) herbivores are crucial for understanding terrestrial ecosystem linkages and food webs.
Previous research on AG-BG herbivore interactions has yielded context-dependent results, making broad predictions difficult.
A quantitative meta-analysis is needed to identify overarching patterns in AG-BG herbivore interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct the first quantitative meta-analysis of interactions between aboveground and below-ground herbivores.
To test previous global predictions about the effects of AG and BG herbivores on each other.
To identify key factors determining the outcome of AG-BG herbivore interactions.

Main Methods:

Quantitative meta-analysis of existing studies on AG and BG herbivore interactions.
Analysis of factors including sequence of herbivore arrival, plant type (annual vs. perennial), study type (lab vs. field), and herbivore taxonomic group.
Assessment for publication bias in the literature.

Main Results:

Previous predictions were not supported; the outcome is highly context-dependent.
Herbivore arrival sequence significantly impacts interaction outcomes.
AG herbivores negatively affected BG herbivore survival but increased population growth rates.
Plant type and study setting (lab vs. field) influenced interaction effects.
Specific herbivore groups (e.g., Diptera, Coleoptera) had distinct impacts on other herbivores.

Conclusions:

The outcome of AG-BG herbivore interactions is determined by multiple biological and experimental factors.
Sequence of herbivore arrival is a highly influential factor.
Future research and predictions must account for context-specific variables to accurately model AG-BG herbivore dynamics.