Effects of Genetic and Environmental Variation in Solidago Altissima on Associated Arthropod Communities
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Megan Ann Avakian (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Ray Williams
Abstract: A common garden approach was used to assess the potential for genetic and environmental variation in a Solidago altissima population to structure an associated insect community and influence the colonization of a dominant herbivore species. Distinct S. altissima genotypes from four elevations (260 m, 585 m, 885 m, 1126 m) were planted in a common garden at the ASU Gilley Research Station. The insect community was quantified and leaves were collected to assess foliar metrics important to insects (e.g., Carbon:Nitrogen). Both host-plant genotype and environment affected insect community structure. Genotype, but not environment, affected colonization of a specialist aphid. Environmental variation affected insect community abundance, where plants from 885 m supported the highest number of insects. Plants from 885 m also had the highest nutritional quality and water content, providing a potential mechanism for observed insect community abundance patterns. These results suggest that small-scale genetic variation is more influential to specialist insect population dynamics, and large-scale environmental variation is more important to structuring the rest of the insect community.
Effects of Genetic and Environmental Variation in Solidago Altissima on Associated Arthropod Communities
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Created on 1/9/2013
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Avakian, M.A. (2012). Effects of Genetic and Environmental Variation in Solidago Altissima on Associated Arthropod Communities. Unpublished master’s thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2012
- Keywords
- Genetic variation, Environmental variation, Insect community, Community genetics, Community ecology