Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Effects of Herbivory on the
Reproductive Effort of 4
prairie perennials
Erica Spotswood, Kate L. Bradley and Johannes M. H. Knops
abstRact
Background
Herbivory can affect every aspect of a plant's life. Damaged individuals may
show decreased survivorship and reproductive output. Additionally, specific
plant species (legumes) and tissues (flowers) are often selectively targeted by
herbivores, like deer. These types of herbivory influence a plant's growth and
abundance. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of leaf and
meristem removal (simulated herbivory within an exclosure) on fruit and
flower production in four species (Rhus glabra, Rosa arkansana, Lathyrus
venosus, and Phlox pilosa) which are known targets of deer herbivory.
Results
Lathyrus never flowered or went to seed, so we were unable to detect any treat-
ment effects. Leaf removal did not affect flower number in the other three
