Joint effects of competitors and herbivores on growth and reproduction in Aristolochia reticulata
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Authors: N. L. Fowler, and M. D. Rausher
Date: 1985
Journal: Ecology
Volume: 66
Number: 5
Pages: 1580-1587
Summary of Methods: Fowler and Rausher studied the effects of simulated grazing and interspecific competition on Texas dutchman's pipevine (Aristolochia reticulata), in a greenhouse setting, to determine if a model could be used to describe the effects of these two disturbances on the target plant. The results indicated that the effects of competition and grazing on the target plant fit an additive model, in which there were no interactions and therefore varying the level of one did not influence the effects of the other. Competition of the target plant with two species, little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and southern dewberry (Rubus trivialis), was not additive but fit a special model which assumed that all three species were equally competing for one limiting resource. However, the competitive ability of little bluestem was reduced when exposed to simulated herbivory, suggesting that selective cattle grazing of this grass would change the model and alter the previously equal competitive relationship among these three species in a way that would benefit the other plants in the community.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: texas dutchman's pipevine, aristolochia reticulata, little bluestem, schizachyrium scoparium, pipevine swallowtail butterfly, battus philenor, community structure, herbivory, competition, interspecific interactions, southern dewberry, rubus trivialis
Annotation: Grass plant competing with Texas Dutchman's pipevine was clipped in some plots to 3-cm in April, June, and September to simulate cattle grazing. Texas Dutchman's pipevine was clipped to ground level once (April) or twice (April and June) during the growing season to simulate grazing by caterpillars.
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