Suurd, Tamara (2022) How Caterpillar Outbreaks Affect Radial Increment in Differing Phenology of English Oak (Quercus robur). Master's Research Project 1, Ecology and Evolution.
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Abstract
Caterpillar outbreaks can cause severe defoliation of their host trees. There is a strong synchronisation between the emergence of winter moth caterpillars (Operophtera brumata) with the bud burst of English oak (Quercus robur). However, individual oaks vary in phenology, allowing oaks with a late bud burst to endure less defoliation. Severe defoliation leads to a decrease in radial increment in years following a caterpillar outbreak. These effects have been widely studied, yet no research has been done on the difference in effect of outbreaks on trees with differing phenology of the same species. Here, the effects of caterpillar outbreaks on English oak with differing phenology have been studied using tree-ring analyses. Additionally, caterpillar growth was monitored in natura on early and late oaks, as well as the development of leaf toughness. I found that oak trees produced thinner rings in years after a caterpillar outbreak, and that trees with an early phenology were more affected by this than late oaks. I found no difference in growth of caterpillars between early and late trees, despite finding a stark difference in leaf toughness development indicating that leaves of late trees become tougher more quickly than early tree leaves. The future role of climate change and global warming on the effects of caterpillar outbreaks remain uncertain.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Research Project 1) |
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| Supervisor name: | Both, C. and Elzenga, J.T.M. |
| Degree programme: | Ecology and Evolution |
| Thesis type: | Master's Research Project 1 |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 31 Mar 2023 11:57 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Mar 2023 11:57 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28940 |
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