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Genetics-based interactions among plants, pathogens, and herbivores define arthropod community structure
Ecology
|September 18, 2015
Summary
Plant genetic resistance influences how pathogens affect insect communities and herbivory. These interactions shape diverse ecosystems, supporting the interacting foundation species hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Plant resistance to pathogens and herbivores is widespread but its indirect effects on associated arthropod communities are not well understood.
- The interacting foundation species hypothesis suggests that key species interactions can structure entire ecological communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if plant resistance to pathogens and herbivores influences the indirect effects of pathogens on arthropod communities and herbivory.
- To test the interacting foundation species hypothesis in a plant-pathogen-herbivore system.
Main Methods:
- A manipulative field experiment using Populus species and their hybrids.
- Examined genetic variation in plant resistance to pathogens and insect herbivores.
- Assessed impacts on arthropod community composition, richness, abundance, and herbivory rates.
Main Results:
- Genetic variation in plant resistance modulated pathogen effects on arthropod communities and herbivory.
- Pathogens most strongly affected arthropod communities on susceptible tree species and genotypes.
- Pathogens reduced herbivory more on susceptible plant genotypes than resistant ones, indicating genotype-dependent interactions.
Conclusions:
- Interactions among plants, pathogens, and herbivores structure multitrophic communities.
- Genetically based resistance traits can drive ecological changes in associated communities.
- Evolutionary shifts in plant resistance can have cascading effects on plant fitness through community interactions.
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