Lead Markus Franzen
Phytopathogens and phytophagous insects coexist within plant communities, often sharing host plants. This study examines how differences in pathogen infection rates influence the species richness, prevalence, and community structure of phytophagous insects at various...
Phytopathogens and phytophagous insects coexist within plant communities, often sharing host plants. This study examines how differences in pathogen infection rates influence the species richness, prevalence, and community structure of phytophagous insects at various scales—from individual leaves to entire regions. Using pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) as a model, we explore the impacts of powdery mildew infection across 24 sites in Sweden. Our findings suggest significant effects at local scales, but these do not consistently extend across more significant regional landscapes. This research provides insights into how pathogen dynamics may alter insect community composition and interaction with host plants, highlighting the complex interplay between different trophic levels in forest ecosystems.
In Collaboration with Ayco Tack.
Related methods
12- Biodiversity and phenology soundbox
- Herbivory and mildew assessment
- Insect biomass assessment
- Lichen and moss diversity
- Light and temperature data collection
- Tree basal area and dead-standing wood assessment
- Vascular plant assessment
- Biodiversity and phenology malaise trap
- Dendrochronological analysis
- Oak bark yeast sampling
- Oak genetic structure / DNA analyses
- Oak regeneration study