Plant Genotypic Diversity And Its Influence On Arthropod Communities

Abstract

Genotypic diversity varies markedly among populations of organisms, however the ecological consequences of intraspecific diversity are poorly understood. Here I directly compare the effects of plant species and genotypic diversity on arthropod communities and ecosystem functioning. Through behavioral observations, field experiments, and laboratory assays, I show contrasting mechanisms by which arthropod species richness and evenness are altered by each type of plant diversity. I then show how genotypic diversity of the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) reduces herbivory by changing herbivore behavior and physiology, ultimately decreasing consumption efficiency. Finally, I show how O. biennis genotypic diversity attenuates induced plant resistance to the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), indirectly increasing plant susceptibility to three native seed predators. As a result, this highly invasive beetle actually increases the fitness of O. biennis by consuming it. Overall, I show that plant genotypic diversity contributes substantially to the structure and functioning of arthropod communities through both direct and indirect mechanisms.