Timing of simulated aboveground herbivory influences population dynamics of root-feeding nematodes

• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-016-3149-x
• Publication Date: 2016-12-27T09:14:21Z
• Authors: Minggang Wang; Arjen Biere; Wim H. van der Pu...; T. Martijn Bezemer; E. Pernilla Brinkman
• Keywords: Population density; Holcus lanatus

Plant damage inflicted by aboveground herbivores can occur at different stages of plant development and induce responses that affect the growth belowground herbivores. This study explores impacts herbivory on population dynamics root-feeding nematodes. We simulated clipping foliage grass species Holcus lanatus, tested how defoliation times (1, 4 or 7 weeks after nematode inoculation) influenced two species: endoparasitic Pratylenchus penetrans ectoparasitic Tylenchorhynchus dubius. Defoliation increased total abundance P. number per unit root mass (density) both T. enhanced density penetrans, however, only when plants were defoliated early. Timing did not influence dubius, although over time. nitrogen concentration roots, but reduced biomass. The strongest reduction biomass occurred early defoliation. Our indicates to their effects be time are defoliated, as well herbivore interactions.