Abstract

Time and mode of herbivory on savanna trees and their subsequent responses are dependent on, among other things, earlier herbivory and fire. We used clipping (simulated browsing) and stem cutting (simulated heavy browsing and to some extent simulated fire) to evaluate such interactions. Study organisms were a deciduous, broad-leaved tree species, Combretum apiculatum (Combretaceae), browsing large herbivores and leaf-eating insects. The treatments were done in the late dry season before bud break. Late in the following wet season, we recorded plant responses to treatment and browsing. The treated trees, especially the cut ones, responded by producing larger and fewer annual shoots. Compared to control trees, there was a slight increase in shoot biomass of clipped trees and a strong reduction of cut ones. Leaf area increased in clipped trees, but decreased in cut ones. A marked increase in the number of browsed trees was recorded amongst treated trees. Number of bites, consumption and utilization also increased with severity of treatment. In contrast, insect herbivory was reduced on both clipped and cut trees. The observed patterns are discussed in relation to current ideas on plant - herbivore interactions

Published in

Journal of Vegetation Science
2000, Volume: 11, number: 3, pages: 409-414
Publisher: OPULUS PRESS UPPSALA AB

SLU Authors

• Bergström, Roger

  • Department of Animal Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Danell, Kjell

  • Department of Animal Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3236633

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/6290