Effects of pedunculate oak tree vitality on gypsy moth preference and performance
2014
Authors:
Milanovic, SlobodanMihajlovic, Ljubodrag
Karadzic, Dragan
Jankovsky, Libor
Aleksic, Predrag
Janković Tomanić, Milena
Lazarević, Jelica
Document Type:
Article (Published version)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract:
Gypsy moths and powdery mildew play a significant role in oak decline
processes. However, information is lacking on the effects on the gypsy
moth of impaired tree vitality caused by defoliation or parasite
infection. We assessed how pedunculate oak leaves collected from
vigorous, declining, and infected trees influenced gypsy moth preference
and performance (growth and nutritional indices). We found a negative
effect of powdery mildew-infected leaves on gypsy moth performance,
while declining trees had positive effects on gypsy moth performance and
preference. All examined parameters of larvae fed declining oak leaves
were higher than those of larvae fed vigorous oak leaves. Increased
growth on declining oak leaves was caused by both higher consumption and
more efficient food utilization. The results of this research could help
us to better understand multitrophic interactions in complex communities
such as oak forests.
Keywords:
Lymantria dispar L.; preference; performance; Quercus robur L.; tree vitality; Microsphaera alphitoides Griff. et MaublSource:
Archives of Biological Sciences, 2014, 66, 4, 1659-1672Funding / projects:
- Studying climate change and its influence on environment: impacts, adaptation and mitigation (RS-MESTD-Integrated and Interdisciplinary Research (IIR or III)-43007)
DOI: 10.2298/ABS1404659M
ISSN: 1821-4339