Invasive riparian plant litter alters aquatic insect growth

Abstract

In a laboratory study, we examined growth and survival of the caddisfly, Lepidostoma unicolor, feeding on two types of native leaf litter (Alnus rhombifolia [Alder] and a Salicaceae mix [Salix spp. and Populus fremontii]) and two invasive, non-native species (Tamarix ramosissima [saltcedar] and Arundo donax [giant reed]). Larval survival was high ([85%), and did not differ, among those fed Alnus, Salicaceae, or Tamarix litter, but was much lower (20%) for larvae fed Arundo litter. Mean dry biomass of larvae fed Tamarix was 45% greater than that of larvae fed Alnus, and both were significantly greater than the biomasses of insects fed Salicaceae or Arundo. Although both Alnus and Tamarix increased in percent nitrogen with conditioning,

Mass Rearing of the Stem-Galling Wasp Tetramesa romana, a Biological Control Agent of the Invasive Weed Arundo donax

“…In south Texas, cover provided by arundo increases survival of the cattle fever tick (Racelis et al, 2012a), a disease-vectoring pest along the US-Mexico border. Dense arundo populations are associated with reduced biodiversity of plants (Quinn and Holt, 2008;Racelis et al, 2012b), arthropods (Herrera and Dudley, 2003;Going and Dudley, 2008), fish (McGaugh et al, 2006), and some birds (Bell, 1997;Giessow et al, 2011). Control by chemical and mechanical methods is sometimes effective (Spencer et al, 2011), but shoots often regenerate from rhizomes, which contain more than 50% of total plant biomass (Thornby et al, 2007;Spencer et al, 2008).…”

Invasive Salix fragilis alters benthic invertebrate communities and litter decomposition in northern Patagonian streams

“…If a plant species invades the riparian zone and significantly changes its species composition and physiognomy, it may alter the detritus cycling dynamics, thus affecting the diversity, trophic structure and dynamics of the stream's benthic communities (Reinhart & Vande Voort, 2006;Going & Dudley, 2008;Hladyz et al, 2011). In particular, Salix (willow) invasion have major effects on the ecological properties as it can alter channel morphology, increase flood propensity, and reduce water quantity (due to its higher evapotranspiration rate compared to native species) (Groninger & Bohanek, 2000;Cremer, 2003;Doody & Benyon, 2011).…”

Assessment of Tannin Variation in Tamarisk Foliage Across a Latitudinal Gradient

“…Tamarisk is considered high in polyphenolic compounds, and low in most nutritional compounds [6]. Tamarisk has invaded extensively and is now the second most abundant riparian plant in the western United States [7].…”

“…Moline and Poff examined crane fly (Tipula sinotipula) growth when fed a diet consisting of tamarisk leaf litter and concluded that tamarisk is a viable food source as the larvae grew rapidly on the tamarisk diet [8]. Similarly, caddis flies (Lepidostoma unicolor) grew significantly when fed a diet of tamarisk leaf litter, indicating that tamarisk may be a feasible short term nutritional source [6].…”