Effects of defoliation and nematode consumption on growth and leaf gas exchange in Bouteloua curtipendula
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Authors: R. E. Ingham, and J. K. Detling
Date: 1986
Journal: Oikos
Volume: 46
Number: 1
Pages: 23-28
Summary of Methods: The authors tested the effects of clipping and root herbivory, both separately and combined, on the growth and leaf gas exchange of sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula). Nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus claytoni) increased quickly on both defoliated and non-defoliated plants, although higher numbers were found on non-defoliated plants at the end of the study. However, as defoliated plants had lower root mass, there were 46% more nematodes per unit root biomass on these plants. Both defoliation and nematode feeding significantly decreased shoot production. Defoliation significantly decreased tiller production, but nematode feeding did not. Defoliation and nematode feeding both altered ratios of root to shoot production. Nematode feeding did not decrease rates of photosynthesis.
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: sideoats grama, bouteloua curtipendula, defoliation, root-feeding nematodes, net photosynthesis, fine roots
Annotation: Shoots from half the inoculated plants and half the uninoculated plants were clipped to 4-cm above soil surface at weekly intervals to simulate the height at which plants are maintained by the above-ground grazing of native herbivores in North American grasslands. Season of use is not specified.
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