Timing and phenology shifts in interacting plant - herbivore - predator systems (C03)

• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 208233609

The aim of this ecological timing project is to reveal effects of day-night rhythms, phenology (seasonal timing) and phenology shifts on the fitness of interacting species along trophic cascades. We will study (i) the effects of day length at different latitudes on trophic cascades in climate chamber, glasshouse and field experiments, (ii) day-night rhythmicity and (iii) fitness effects of day length on aphids and their predators, (iv) morphological and physiological responses of aphids after transition of wingless to winged morphs and (v) the importance of photoperiod and temperature on hibernation and emergence phenology of herbivores and their natural enemies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1047: Insect Timing: Mechanisms, Plasticity and Interactions
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Jochen Krauss