Specialised chemistry affects insect abundance but not overall community similarity in three rare shrub willows: Salix myrtilloides, S. repens and S. rosmarinifolia

Mgr. Petr KOZEL

Rigorózní práce

Abstract:

This study investigates the relationship between the unique chemical profiles of three willow species (Salix myrtilloides, S. repens, and S. rosmarinifolia) and the diversity of their insect herbivore communities. These willows, which grow in ecologically significant areas within the Czech Republic, are examined to understand how their specialized metabolites influence associated insect populations. Utilizing non-targeted metabolomics, we analysed the overall metabolomic profiles and specifically the presence of salicinoids within these plants. Additionally, we conducted surveys of various insect groups including caterpillars, leaf-chewing beetles (both adults and larvae), sawfly larvae, and sap-sucking Hemiptera. Through non-targeted metabolomics, we identified over 2,000 metabolites, highlighting a unique chemical profile for S. myrtilloides and higher salicinoid levels in S. repens and S. rosmarinifolia. Abundance of generalist herbivores was greater on S. myrtilloides, whereas specialist herbivores were evenly distributed among all willow species. The study found that insect community composition was similar among the willow species, suggesting that salicinoids might deter generalist herbivores but do not significantly impact overall insect diversity.

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 10. 3. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Rigorózní řízení / obor:
Zoologie / Zoologie