ARS | Publication request: Effect of Simulated Herbivory and Flooding on Photosynthesis and Growth in Black Willow (Salix Nigra)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2004
Publication Date: April 14, 2004
Citation: Li, S., Martin, L.T., Pezeshki, S.R., Shields Jr, F.D. 2004. Effect of simulated herbivory and flooding on photosynthesis and growth in black willow (salix nigra). Southeastern Biology. 51(2):174-175.

Technical Abstract: Herbivory and flooding influence species composition and diversity in wetland ecosystems. Black willow (Salix nigra) naturally occurs in floodplains and riparian zones of the southeastern United States. Cuttings (posts) from this species are extensively used as a bioengineering tool for streambank stabilization. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of herbivory and flooding on cutting survival and growth. Under greenhouse conditions, photosynthetic and growth responses to simulated herbivory and flooding treatments were quantified. Over a 51-day experimental period, potted cuttings (0.65 cm in diameter and 30 cm long) were subjected to three levels of herbivory: 1) no herbivory (control), 2) light herbivory, and 3) heavy herbivory; and three levels of moisture regimes: 1) no flooding (control), 2) continuous flooding, and 3) periodic flooding. The data indicated that neither continuous nor periodic flooding had any detectable effects on plant photosynthetic performance that was measured periodically on selected leaves. Photosynthesis was increased in response to heavy and light herbivory due to increased stomatal conductance. In addition, heavy herbivory resulted in improved total height growth across moisture regimes at the end of the experiment. Therefore, black willow exhibited increased photosynthetic capacity and root growth in response to herbivory as a result of overcompensation, especially when soil was continuously flooded.