Community Genetics Experiments 2011

• Two experiments have been set up at the ASU Biology Gilley Research Station to address questions surrounding the role of genetic variation in a dominant old-field plant species in shaping the insect community.

• The Gilley site is a 142ha land parcel donated to ASU by Mr. Robert Gilley to be used for biological research. The site combines an open field with predominately mixed hardwood forest habitat, providing an extensive, undisturbed setting for field research.

Our experiments address two primary objectives:

Examining the role of environment in the form of plants collected from different elevations with effects of genotype in a crossed factorial design.

Examining the possible role of chemical induction due to feeding by a native Chrysomelid beetle on genotype colonization by aphids (predominantly).

Solidago altissima provides a good model system for examining intra-specific variation in a dominant plant species that grows at different elevations in the southeast.

Ramets (to be confirmed using microsatellites) were collected at locations in eastTennessee and propagated at the ASU greenhouse beginning in summer 2010.

In March 2011, 3cm sections of rhizomes were sown in nursery pots to produce plants for the field experiments at the Gilley site.

For our elevation X genotype experiment,8 plants are arranged in a roughly circularpattern within 1m2 plots spaced 1m apart.Ramets collected from 4 elevations (260, 585,885 and 1126m) are planted in monoculturesof 4 genotypes, with 3 replicates per elevationand genotype combination (48 total plots).

The common garden was planted in mid-May.

Insects will be sampled in July and Septemberand foliage collected for chemical analysis.

For the damaged vs. undamaged plants experiment,4 plants are arranged in a circular patternwithin plots of approximately 0.52m area spaced0.6m apart. Ramets are planted in 3 replicatemonocultures of 4 genotypes, with twotreatments, previously damaged and undamaged (24 total plots).

The common garden was planted in late May.

Insects will be sampled in August and foliagecollected for chemical analysis.