Title: | Reciprocal feeding facilitation between above- and below-ground herbivores |
Author(s): | McKenzie SW; Vanbergen AJ; Hails RS; Jones TH; Johnson SN; |
Address: | "Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK. smckz@ceh.ac.uk" |
ISSN/ISBN: | 1744-957X (Electronic) 1744-9561 (Print) 1744-9561 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Interspecific interactions between insect herbivores predominantly involve asymmetric competition. By contrast, facilitation, whereby herbivory by one insect benefits another via induced plant susceptibility, is uncommon. Positive reciprocal interactions between insect herbivores are even rarer. Here, we reveal a novel case of reciprocal feeding facilitation between above-ground aphids (Amphorophora idaei) and root-feeding vine weevil larvae (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), attacking red raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Using two raspberry cultivars with varying resistance to these herbivores, we further demonstrate that feeding facilitation occurred regardless of host plant resistance. This positive reciprocal interaction operates via an, as yet, unreported mechanism. Specifically, the aphid induces compensatory growth, possibly as a prelude to greater resistance/tolerance, whereas the root herbivore causes the plant to abandon this strategy. Both herbivores may ultimately benefit from this facilitative interaction" |
Keywords: | Animals *Chernobyl Nuclear Accident Male Passeriformes Spermatozoa/*radiation effects Amphorophora idaei Otiorhynchus sulcatus interspecific competition plant-insect interactions; |
Notes: | "MedlineMcKenzie, Scott W Vanbergen, Adam J Hails, Rosemary S Jones, T Hefin Johnson, Scott N eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2013/07/26 Biol Lett. 2013 Jul 24; 9(5):20130341. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.0341. Print 2013 Oct 23" |