Investigating the relationship between plant morphology, density, and herbivory of <i>Thlaspi</i>
Abstract
The mustard family Brassicaceae includes many crop species, model plant systems, and invasive species. Many of these species produce a class of secondary defense to deter herbivory with a class of chemicals called glucosinolates (Carlsson et. al, 2009; Keeler & Chew, 2008). Thlaspi arvense is a non-native member of the Brassicaceae family that produces these chemicals, yet it remains a target for herbivory. Studying the interaction of both T. arvense and herbivores assists in understanding the factors of what influences a continued arms race of defense and attack (Rodman and Chew, 1980; Lee et. al, 2009). We will investigate how these two factors react to a change of density and an elevational gradient by measuring herbivory at similar phenological stages in a common garden in the Gothic townsite and in randomized field plots at sites of varying elevation. By manipulating density and seed source in the common garden, environmental factors are stabilized, and herbivory selection factors will become more prominent. We expect to find less herbivory per plant in denser populations and more herbivory in plants with seed sources from higher elevation will experience less herbivory. Intro:
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