Liana host preference and implications for deciduous forest regeneration1

• DOI: 10.3159/09-ra-041.1
• Publication Date: 2010-04-28T14:39:26Z
• Authors: Laura M. Ladwig; Scott J. Meiners
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; host preference; Toxicodendron radicans; deciduous forests; Celastrus orbiculatus; Lonicera japonica; Parthenocissus quinquefolia; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; forest regeneration; Vitis; lianas

Abstract Lianas have the potential to shape forest communities and alter forest regeneration. However, impacts of lianas on forest regeneration, particularly in temperate forests, are largely unstudied. To understand potential liana impacts on the community we need to first know the location and intensity of liana burdens on host trees. We examined liana-tree host preferences within a series of young regenerating deciduous forests in the Piedmont region of New Jersey, USA. Established trees (≥ 5 cm dbh) and the lianas associated with each tree were surveyed in 2008. The five most abundant liana species were Celastrus orbiculatus, Lonicera japonica, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Toxicodendron radicans, and Vitis species. Host preference for each liana species was measured in two ways, as colonization on tree trunks and coverage in the canopy. Host preferences based on tree species and tree size were compared among liana species. A total of 798 trees were measured and lianas occurred on 64% of them. Host pre...