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The effect of multiple host species on a keystone parasitic plant and its aphid herbivores
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 20:52 authored by Jennifer K Rowntree, David Fisher Barham, Alan StewartAlan Stewart, Sue E Hartley, Jenny Watling1. The exploitation of shared resources by diverse organisms underpins the structure of ecological communities. Hemiparasitic plants and the insect herbivores feeding on them both rely, directly and indirectly, on the resources supplied by the parasite's host plant. Therefore, the identity and number of host plant species providing these resources is likely to be critical for parasite and herbivore performance. 2. We tested the effect of single and multiple host species on the biomass of the generalist parasitic plant Rhinanthus minor and the abundance of its aphid (Aphis gossypii) herbivores. 3. Parasite biomass was proportional to the number of haustorial connections to host roots and was determined by host species identity rather than host functional group. Host species identity was also an important influence on aphid population size, and parasites attached to Lotus corniculatus experienced a considerable reduction in aphid herbivory. 4. The effects on the parasite attaching to multiple hosts depended on the combination of species present. However, host mixtures generally benefitted aphids by diluting the negative effects of particular host species. 5. Our findings suggest that the specificity of host attachment alters the impact of this keystone parasitic plant on its own herbivores and, potentially, on the wider plant and herbivore community.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Functional EcologyISSN
0269-8463Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
28Page range
829-836Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-05-21First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-03-09First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-03-09Usage metrics
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