Abstract

In recent years, the influence of plant hybridization on plant-animal interactions has become an important issue; however, these studies have mainly focused on insects or slugs and to a large degree ignored mammalian herbivores despite their importance in many ecosystems. This study aims to determine the preference of voles for pure Salix caprea, S. repens, and their F1, F2, and backcross hybrids to evaluate whether voles select against hybrids in natural willow populations. To address this, we conducted two field studies and a cafeteria experiment in the laboratory with bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus). We found no strong indications of reduced resistance in any of the hybrid taxa. Voles damaged more S. repens than S. caprea individuals. There was a general decreasing trend of utilization from pure S. repens to pure S. caprea, hybrid taxa being intermediate between the parents. Thus, voles seemingly do not have a more detrimental effect on hybrid fitness than on the fitness of pure individuals and probably will not select against hybrids in these willows populations

Published in

Oikos
2004, Volume: 106, number: 1, pages: 61-66
Publisher: BLACKWELL MUNKSGAARD

SLU Authors

• Hallgren, Per

  • Department of Animal Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Hjältén, Joakim

  • 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/10.1111/j.0030-1299.2004.12949.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/5500