1365-2435/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=c8b848a8f001fdfa90240fe2ab26b1f04b6fe8e4)
1365-2435/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=2cf6e00d281371851f86902da3937ac5884bcfe0)
Consequences of defoliation on phenological interaction between Epirrita autumnata and its host plant, Mountain Birch
Article first published online: 25 NOV 2003
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.1997.00063.x
1997 British Ecological Society
1365-2435/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=571713c051a4c9b4843f1aa4a484de7ca8661854 "Functional Ecology")
Additional Information
How to Cite
KAITANIEMI, P., RUOHOMÄKI, K. and HAUKIOJA, E. (1997), Consequences of defoliation on phenological interaction between Epirrita autumnata and its host plant, Mountain Birch. Functional Ecology, 11: 199–208. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.1997.00063.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 25 NOV 2003
- Article first published online: 25 NOV 2003
- Abstract
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Betula;
- inducible responses;
- insect–plant interactions;
- larval crowding;
- outbreak
1. Defoliation-induced changes in the budbreak phenology of Mountain Birches (Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa (Ledeb.) Nyman), and their effects on herbivore performance, were investigated during an outbreak of the spring-feeding geometrid, Epirrita autumnata (Bkh.).
2. Total defoliation (followed by refoliation) by E. autumnata larvae was required to achieve significant delaying of budbreak of Mountain Birch one year after damage.
3. Delayed budbreak has potentially deleterious effects on herbivore performance. However, E. autumnata larvae show phenotypic responses that increase the synchrony between larvae and leaves: high larval density, a prerequisite for severe defoliation, delays egg hatch in the following year.
4. Late hatching larvae performed as well on birches with delayed budbreak due to the previous year’s total defoliation as did early hatching larvae on birches with earlier budbreak.