Direct and indirect impacts of different water regimes on the invasive plant, alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and its biological control agent, Agasicles hygrophila

摘要: Invasive weeds are broadly affected by natural disturbances, such as flooding and drought. While these disturbances can directly affect the outcome of a plant invasion, they also indirectly population dynamics invasive plant’s enemies. However, how drought alter interactions plants with their enemies what impact events have on been little studied. This study reports effects plant, Alternanthera philoxeroides, its biological control agent, Agasicles hygrophila, well in field laboratory experiments. It was found that decreased stem length number internodes A. while reduced branches, relative to those treatments. Both significantly total ramets, root shoot mass this weed, compared less drastic water regime. Drought suppressed growth Ag. hygrophila decreasing palatability. Indeed, herbivory had philoxeroides under conditions. The results suggest reduce interrupting plant‐insect interaction. Therefore, understanding interactively respond seasonal climatic will provide important information for improving predicting management efficiency weeds.