A test of the compensatory continuum: fertilization increases and below-ground competition decreases the grazing tolerance of tall wormseed mustard (Erysimum strictum)

摘要: Contrary to the general expectation, compensatory continuum hypothesis proposes that grazing may not always affect plant performance adversely. Instead, effects vary from negative (undercompensation) positive (overcompensation), depending on local availability of resources and intensity competition experienced by individual plants. We tested this in a common garden experiment growing tall wormseed mustard, Erysimum strictum, under factorial design involving simulated (0, 10, or 50% main stem clipped), supplemental fertilization below-ground competition. The results supported hypothesis. On an average, increased decreased performance. Overcompensation was only observed among fertilized plants free Simulated seed yield 1.6 (10% clipping) 1.4 times (50% as compared unclipped when were grown with without In contrast, clipping did significantly increase and/or breakage apical dominance provides proximate mechanism these regrowth responses. This is consistent fact most (85%) had unbranched shoot architecture our study population. However, it clear why E. strictum has relatively natural populations. briefly discuss alternative ecological factors – for light, adaptation herbivory optimal timing flowering bet-hedging strategy monocarpic which might maintain species.