Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Paris, Kyle [1], Boyd, Robert [2].

Impact of insecticide treatment to control herbivores on the federally endangered Clematis morefieldii.

Herbivory is common on Clematis morefieldii, and therefore by excluding these herbivores, it is possible to understand the effects they have on the plant's reproductive output. This study used the insecticide Sevin (active ingredient carbaryl) and water (as a control) on 40 plants (20 for each treatment) to test the effects of reduced herbivory. The status of all flower buds on the 40 study plants was recorded throughout the growing season during two years (2010 and 2011) and there was no significant difference in total buds per plant between treatments. Insecticide study results for 2010 revealed that insecticide treated plants had significantly less buds destroyed by herbivory, but found no significant difference between treatments for buds successfully producing fruit, or total fruit production. Insecticide study results for 2011 revealed that insecticide treated plants had significantly less buds destroyed by herbivory, significantly more buds successfully producing fruit, and significantly more fruit being produced. There were multiple herbivores on C. morefieldii including vertebrates, so leaf tissue removal data were recorded, along with herbivory data from individual groups of herbivores (hemipterans, leaf miners, leaf hopper nymphs, vertebrates). From June until plant senescence in 2010 and 2011, leaf herbivory was significantly higher in the control plants. Data collected on individual groups of herbivores found that only hemipterans were affected by the insecticide, with significantly more hemipteran damage in the control plants through most of the two growing seasons. In general, herbivory seems to be a major factor contributing to the small percentage of successful buds and overall fruit production whether directly (by attacking buds and flowers) or indirectly (by vegetative herbivory) and insecticides could be a viable option for managers seeking to increase recruitment.

Broader Impacts:

1 - 500 Webster Rd Lot 207, Auburn, AL, 36832, USA
2 - Auburn University, Department Of Biological Sciences, 101 LIFE SCIENCES BLDG, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL, 36849-5407, USA

Keywords:
Clematis morefieldii
endangered species
herbivory
insecticide.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 41
Location: Union C/Hyatt
Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
Time: 3:45 PM
Number: 41007
Abstract ID:539