1985/05/31 by Thomas G. Whitham, Kenneth Mopper · 207 citations
Environmental Science · #Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies #Forest Insect Ecology and Management #Fire effects on ecosystems #Herbivore #Plant reproductive morphology #Biology #Sexual reproduction #Reproduction #Host (biology) #Ecology #Woody plant #Trunk #Diameter at breast height #Botany
paper · doi:10.1126/science.228.4703.1089
published in Science 228(4703), 1089-1091 (American Association for the Advancement of Science)
openalex publication_date 1985/05/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Pinyon pine, Pinus edulis (Engelm.), in Northern Arizona is exposed to recurring high levels of herbivory by the moth Dioryctria albovitella (Hust.). During a 3-year period, infested trees experienced on average a 30 percent reduction in annual shoot production. This herbivory affects tree architecture, growth rate, reproductive output, and sexual expression. Less infested trees produce 47 percent more trunk wood, 43 percent more branch wood, and are monoecious. Architectural changes in infested trees can result infunctionally male plants due to a complete loss of normal female cone-bearing ability. When herbivores are experimentally removed, normal growth and reproduction patterns resume. These strong herbivore impacts should represent a potent selection pressure in the evolution of host traits.