The interaction between signal diversity and pollinator behaviour along a land use gradient

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. H. Martin Schaefer
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 107642722

Communication in plant-pollinator networks contributes to structuring plant communities. In the last 1.5 years, we found that land use diminishes colour diversity of flowers and changes the overall colouration of grasslands. Our overall aim is now to assess whether that change affects plant reproduction by altering their interactions with pollinators and/or herbivores. We will therefore collect quantitative data on floral colouration, seed production, nectar quantity and quality as well as insect visitation to flowers in the grasslands of all Exploratories. Using visual modelling we will analyse whether the sensory ecology of different pollinator groups, altered nutrient availability of plant rewards or differences in the abundance of plant species affect pollinator behaviour, and whether that change affects plant reproduction. Moreover, we will record herbivore damage of flowers and of vegetative tissue. Finally, we will experimentally manipulate nectar rewards and floral colours to tease apart different functional hypothesis on why land use regimes affect floral colour. Combined with data on plant reproduction, we can thus answer whether changes in the visual communication between flowering plants and animals that are caused by land use regimes contribute to structuring plant communities in the grasslands.

• DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1374: Biodiversity Exploratories
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Nico Blüthgen