Effects Of Genotype And Environment On The Abundance Of A Specialist Aphid In Solidago Altissima
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Brian Kenneth Bonville (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Ray S. Williams
Abstract: The phytochemical composition of dominant plants has been demonstrated to vary by genotype and impact the colonization of herbivorous insects. In my study I assessed the growth of a specialist aphid, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum on Solidago altissima plants of five different genotypes and grown in varying soil environments in the form of phosphorous fertilization, nitrogen fertilization and a control with no added nutrients. I was looking to demonstrate the extent to which genotype (G), environment (E) and their interaction (G X E) impacted aphid colonization on different plants. I also evaluated plant chemistry in the form of nitrogen content and terpene chemistry as possible environment-dependent mechanisms by which aphids might select their host plants. It was found that aphid populations were plant-chemistry dependent and influenced by soil nutrient conditions and by G X E interactions. Plant chemistry was demonstrated to vary by both environment and plant genotype. Overall this study further elucidated the role of plant chemistry in impacting host plant selection by an herbivorous insect, contributing further to the field of community genetics.
Effects Of Genotype And Environment On The Abundance Of A Specialist Aphid In Solidago Altissima
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Created on 11/9/2016
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Bonville, B. (2016). Effects Of Genotype And Environment On The Abundance Of A Specialist Aphid In Solidago Altissima. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2016
- Keywords
- Solidago altissima, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum, G X E, Environment, Community genetics