Evolution of plant defense in invasive plant species

Plants contain chemical compounds that are deterrent or toxic to insect herbivores. It is thought that the production of these defense compounds is costly. What happens if a plant is introduced in a new area and is suddenly released from its natural enemies? Some plants will make less defense compounds while other plant species will make more.

In this project we will compare the defense of different plant populations by performing greenhouse experiments with plants and insects and performing chemical analyses. We will try to link this to the presence or absence of insects and pathogens in the field.

Period
At least 5 months. Greenhouse experiments can be done the whole year round, fieldwork/observations from May to September.

Information
Mirka Macel, tel: +31 (0)26-4711304,  m.macel@nioo.knaw.nl