Poster

         Symbioses: Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions

Investigating the differences of Cirsium pitcheri’s floral scent according to the predation of novel weevil, Larinus planus

Presenting Author
Rina Talaba
Description
Cirsium pitcheri–a rare dune plant species endemic to the Great Lakes–is under threat by the invasive predator weevil, Larinus planus. Though it is known that L. planus predation on the flowering head bract of C. pitcheri causes a decline in seedling production, little is known about other floral traits that are affected. Floral scent, in particular, can be analyzed through its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and these VOCs can change when a plant is put under stress. Larinus planus predation on flowering heads should be investigated further to understand whether their infestation can cause a change in floral scent–which is an important trait that attracts pollinators. Cirsium pitcheri populations within White Fish Dunes in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin are an ideal study site as they contain both L. planus infested and non-infested populations. By collecting floral scent from the flowering heads, we are then able to compare VOCs between individuals with L. planus predation and no predation. Considering C. pitcheri is recorded to be one of the most important floral resources to the Great Lakes pollinator network, understanding how L. planus may affect VOCs is vital to uncovering the best way to conserve and restore the sensitive dune plant.