For my research, I was interested in insect herbivory on plants and wanted to see how it changed throughout the seasons and if environmental factors such as the latitude of the topography or the amount of light available to the plant were potential explanatory variables. I initially looked for the species of shrub or bush that was the most impacted by insect herbivory and I soon found that to be blueberry bushes (Vaccinium corymbosum). I then noticed this species was very abundant in my location and in areas differing in latitude and light abundance. My hypothesis is that insect herbivory on V. corymbosum is influenced by the latitude and the light availability of the plants growing conditions.
My research relates to the relationship between insect herbivory and plant productivity. Plant productivity is influenced by various factors such as light availability, temperature, and nutrient availability. Insect herbivory can increase when the plant’s productivity is increased by the amount of healthy photosynthetic material grown. My research also relates to plant defense mechanisms. By studying insect herbivory on blueberry plants in different environmental conditions, I am investigating how these defense mechanisms are influenced by environmental factors such as light availability and latitude.
Keywords to summarize my research:
- temperate rainforest
- insect herbivory
- plant defense