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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Species-Specific Effects of Ant Inhabitants on Bromeliad Nutrition

Full text
Author(s):
Goncalves, Ana Z. [1] ; Oliveira, Rafael S. [2] ; Oliveira, Paulo S. [3] ; Romero, Gustavo Q. [3]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Posgrad Ecol, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Vegetal, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, CP 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 11, n. 3 MAR 22 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 9
Abstract

Predator activities may lead to the accumulation of nutrients in specific areas of terrestrial habitats where they dispose of prey carcasses. In their feeding sites, predators may increase nutrient availability in the soil and favor plant nutrition and growth. However, the translocation of nutrients from one habitat to another may depend on predator identity and diet, as well as on the amount of prey intake. Here we used isotopic (N-15) and physiological methods in greenhouse experiments to evaluate the effects of the identity of predatory ants (i.e., the consumption of prey and nest sites) on the nutrition and growth of the bromeliad Quesnelia arvensis. We showed that predatory ants with protein-based nutrition (i.e., Odontomachus hastatus, Gnamptogenys moelleri) improved the performance of their host bromeliads (i.e., increased foliar N, production of soluble proteins and growth). On the other hand, the contribution of Camponotus crassus for the nutritional status of bromeliads did not differ from bromeliads without ants, possibly because this ant does not have arthropod prey as a preferred food source. Our results show, for the first time, that predatory ants can translocate nutrients from one habitat to another within forests, accumulating nutrients in their feeding sites that become available to bromeliads. Additionally, we highlight that ant contribution to plant nutrition may depend on predator identity and its dietary requirements. Nest debris may be especially important for epiphytic and terrestrial bromeliads in nutrient-poor environments. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/17204-0 - Climate change in Brazilian mountains: functional responses of native plants from campos rupestres and campos de altitude to extreme droughts
Grantee:Rafael Silva Oliveira
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/10137-8 - Ants in bromeliads: cascading effects on arthropod diversity, nutrient cycling and ecophysiology of host plants
Grantee:Ana Zangirólame Gonçalves
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate