Arthropod-Plant Interactions (2023) 17, 363-371

Elena Valdés-Correcher, Maarten de Groot, Laura Schillé, Alex Stemmelen, Yannick Mellerin, Olivier Bonnard and Bastien Castagneyrol (2023)
Impact of early insect herbivory on the invasive oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata Say, 1832) in different oak species
Arthropod-Plant Interactions 17 (3), 363-371
Abstract: Insect herbivores co-occurring on the same host plant interact in various ways. In particular, early-season insect herbivory triggers a wide range of plant responses that can determine the performance of herbivores colonizing the plant later in the course of the season. But the strength and direction of such effects are debated, and virtually unknown in the case of novel interactions involving exotic insects in their introduction range. We conducted an observational field study in SW France, a region recently invaded by the Oak Lace Bug (OLB, Corythucha arcuata Say). We measured early chewing damage and subsequent OLB damage in four oak species (Quercus robur, Q. pubescens, Q. cerris and Q. ilex). We set up a complementary non-choice experiment in the laboratory, feeding OLB with leaves with or without prior herbivory. The four oak species differed in their sensitivity to OLB damage, Q. ilex being broadly resistant. Prior herbivory promoted OLB damage in the laboratory experiment, but not in the field. However, prior herbivory did not alter the rank of oak resistance to the OLB. Our results suggest possible synergistic effects between spring defoliators and the OLB. This study brings insight into herbivore-herbivore interactions and their possible implications for forest management.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Corythucha arcuata	Oat (Avena sativa)	France