Molecular approach to describing a seed-based food web: the post-dispersal granivore community of an invasive plant.

摘要: Communities of post-dispersal granivores can shape the density and dispersion exotic plants invasive weeds, yet plant ecologists have a limited perception relative trophic linkages between seed species members its granivore community. Dandelion seeds marked with Rabbit IgG were disseminated into replicated plots in recipient habitat (South Dakota) native range (Czech Republic). Arthropods collected pitfall traps, their guts searched for protein marker using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seed dishes placed each plot, dandelion removal rates measured. The entire experiment was repeated five times over flowering period. Gut analysis revealed that approximately 22% specimens tested positive marker. A more diverse community had to than has been previously realized under field conditions. This included taxa such as isopods, millipedes, weevils, rove beetles, caterpillars, addition traditionally recognized ants, crickets, carabid beetles. Rarefaction Chao estimated 16 27 communities Czech Republic South Dakota, respectively. Synthesis: Generalist are polyphagous, clearly important form biotic resistance weedy plants. These be managed limit population growth these pests.