Abstract
1. Euedaphic collembola alter their soil distribution in response to above-ground aphid herbivory of Poa annua L. Graminae, a host grass.
2. Two mechanisms potentially underpin this effect. Carbon-rich aphid honeydew falling onto the soil surface may affect mycophagous collembola; alternatively aphid-induced changes in root biomass may be necessary to produce changes in collembola abundance.
3. When compared to a plant-only control, aphid herbivory increased the number of collembola in the top 5 cm of soil, reduced both foliar and root biomass, and increased shoot/root ratio. Honeydew addition had no effect on collembola numbers or any recorded host-plant parameter.
4. Honeydew deposition is not responsible for the increased numbers of collembola found in the upper soil after aphid herbivory; aphid-induced reductions in root biomass may be the most important factor explaining knock-on effects of aphid herbivory on soil fauna.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 588-594 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Ecological entomology |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2009 |