Feeding by a native grasshopper reduces broom snakeweed density and biomass
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Authors: D. C. Thompson, K. C. McDaniel, and L. A. Torell
Date: 1996
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 49
Number: 5
Pages: 407-412
Summary of Methods: Grasshopper herbivory was observed for two (1991-1992) at two shortgrass sites near Corona and Folsom, New Mexico. Vegetative measurements were taken before and after grasshoppers were placed in caged plots containing broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). Treatments were 0, 1, 3 and 5 grasshoppers per plant resulting in none, light, moderate and heavy grazing intensities, respectively.
Article Summary / Main Points: Dry weight of vegetation removed per grasshopper per day ranged from 45 to 85 mg at the Folsom and Corona sites respectively. Mortality of broom snakeweed on sites that received heavy grasshopper herbivory (5 per plant) was 91% while 69%, and 53% mortality occurred on the sites with moderate and light herbivory (3 and 1 grasshoppers per plant, respectively). Broom snakeweed removal increased grass standing crop the year of and the year following grasshopper herbivory.
Vegetation Types: Desert Grasslands Shortgrass Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 70A Canadian River Plains and Valleys 70C Central New Mexico Highlands
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Rangelands Grasshoppers
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: forage production, plant biomass, weed reduction, insect herbivory, plant mortality, gutierrezia sarothrae
Annotation: This applicability of this study to the Rocky Mountain States is limited.
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