Native insect herbivory limits population growth rate of a non-native thistle

James O. Eckberg, Brigitte Tenhumberg, Svata M. Louda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The influence of native fauna on non-native plant population growth, size, and distribution is not well documented. Previous studies have shown that native insects associated with tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) also feed on the leaves, stems, and flower heads of the Eurasian congener C. vulgare, thus limiting individual plant performance. In this study, we tested the effects of insect herbivores on the population growth rate of C. vulgare. We experimentally initiated invasions by adding seeds at four unoccupied grassland sites in eastern Nebraska, USA, and recorded plant establishment, survival, and reproduction. Cumulative foliage and floral herbivory reduced C. vulgare seedling density, and prevented almost any reproduction by C. vulgare in half the sites. The matrix model we constructed showed that this herbivory resulted in a reduction of the asymptotic population growth rate (λ), from an 88 % annual increase to a 54 % annual decline. These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that indigenous herbivores limit population invasion of this non-native plant species into otherwise suitable grassland habitat.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)129-138
Number of pages10
JournalOecologia
Volume175
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biotic resistance
  • Bull thistle
  • Cirsium vulgare
  • Ecosystem service
  • Invasion

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