PARENT SESSION
Poster Session 34: Herbivory
Thursday, August 11, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Exhibit Hall 220 A-E, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal

Seedling herbivory on native vs. invasive plant species.

Wells, Lara^*,1, ¹ University of California, Davis, Davis, California

ABSTRACT- Insect and slug herbivory can be a significant factor in preventing seedlings from becoming established adult plants. In this experiment we compared the resistance to herbivory of 6 different plant species, 3 native and 3 invasive. In phase one of the experiment, plots of seeds were planted and left unprotected to gauge existing herbivory. Each plot contained 12 different plant species, 6 native to the field and 6 invasive. 2 plots were placed along each of 20 transects, one planted with fertilizer and one without. Phase two of the experiment was a 2x2x2 factorial design in which 6 species of plants, 3 native and 3 invasive, were planted in 8 different treatments. Seedlings were monitored daily for signs of herbivory by insects and slugs. Experimental conditions for the treatments were manipulated to either include or exclude slugs using aluminum and copper slug barriers with netting over the top to exclude insects. Fertilizer was also added to half of the treatment plots in this design. Results indicated differences in herbivory between native and invasive species, increased growth in plots with fertilizer and a relationship between herbivory and seedling growth rates.

Key words: herbivory, invasive, native, plants