Reduced Intraspecific Variation in Foliar Micro and Macronutrients among Quercus Garryana Trees in the Expanded Range May Contribute to Outbreaks of a Range Expanding Insect

Authors

Kelly Medina, Binghamton University--SUNY
Aly Milks, Binghamton University--SUNY

Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Book

Description

Due to the effects of rising global temperatures and the abrupt changes in ecosystems, phytophagous insects are expanding their ranges poleward. An oak gall wasp,Neuroterous saltatoris, has expanded its range from mainland North America to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and is outbreaking in its expanded range causing damage to its host plants Quercus garryana. Q. garryana has reduced genetic diversity with decreased intraspecific variation towards the poles. This research group collected leaves from trees that ranged from low to highly infested. Leaves were dried and ground and levels of macronutrients and micronutrients were measured. Higher intraspecific variation in nutrients were found among trees in the native compared to the expanded range, which may underlie patterns of higher patchiness of N. saltatorius-infested trees in the native range. It was also determined what nutrients are influencing the infestation of N. saltatorius.

Files

Recommended Citation

Medina, Kelly and Milks, Aly, "Reduced Intraspecific Variation in Foliar Micro and Macronutrients among Quercus Garryana Trees in the Expanded Range May Contribute to Outbreaks of a Range Expanding Insect" (2024). Research Days Posters 2024. 142.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2024/142