Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
4-2019
Publisher
Elsevier
Source Publication
Acta Oecologica
Source ISSN
1146-609X
Abstract
The semi-arid shortgrass steppe ecosystem of North America is dominated by blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis), a species with substantial intraspecific variability, ecological significance, and economic value. Yet no studies have addressed within species differences in blue grama palatability or insect herbivore preference with respect to plant traits. We performed an experimental study to test the palatability and preference of two blue grama genotypes, wild type versus cultivar, by grasshopper herbivores in the Gomphocerinae subfamily. We found strong evidence that cultivar blue grama was more palatable than wild type and that grasshoppers preferred cultivar plants. Although we could not detect differences in silica content between the two types, we found that cultivar plants were larger, had lower water content, and surprisingly, had reduced nutrient value (greater C:N). These results suggest that intraspecific variation in blue grama size and water content could influence feeding choices by this group of grasshoppers. Conservation managers will have to consider such variation when considering how remnant and restored prairies might be affected by these arthropod herbivores.
Recommended Citation
Hoffman, Ava M.; Perretta, Holly; LeMoine, Nathan P.; and Smith, Melinda D., "Blue Grama Grass Genotype Affects Palatability and Preference by Semi-arid Steppe Grasshoppers" (2019). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 786.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/786
Comments
Accepted version. Acta Oecologica, Vol. 96 (April 2019): 43-48. DOI. © 2019 Elsevier. Used with permission.