Arthropods Associated with Invasive Frangula alnus (Rosales: Rhamnaceae): Implications for Invasive Plant and Insect...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Entomology
• Invasive Species Management

Background:

• Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) is a long-established invasive shrub in Northeastern US and Southeastern Canada.
• Understanding associated arthropod communities is crucial for effective invasive species management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify dominant arthropod orders and species associated with Frangula alnus.
• To assess the impact of seasonal variation on arthropod richness and diversity.
• To explore volatile compounds attracting herbivores and pollinators to Frangula alnus.

Main Methods:

• Conducted two-year field surveys across 16 plots in Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania.
• Collected and analyzed 2845 arthropods, identifying dominant orders and species.
• Analyzed volatile compounds from Frangula alnus leaves and flowers.

Main Results:

• Hemipterans (39.8%) were the most abundant arthropod order, followed by dipterans (22.3%).
• Psylla carpinicola and Drosophila suzukii were dominant species; D. suzukii reproduced on Frangula alnus fruits.
• Arthropod species richness and diversity varied significantly with Frangula alnus phenology.

Conclusions:

• Frangula alnus serves as a developmental host for various arthropods, including immature hemipterans.
• Insect associations and volatile emissions offer potential targets for novel invasive species management strategies.
• Seasonal phenology significantly influences the arthropod community structure on invasive Frangula alnus.