J. For. Sci., 2008, 54(1):17-23 | DOI: 10.17221/792-JFS

Effects of nitrogen on the selection of food by Phyllobius arborator (Herbst)

E. Kula, A. Pešlová, D. Buchtová

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

The selection of a nutritive plant and the consumption of food (Betula pendula Roth) affected by differentiated inputs of nitrogen after the repeated application of ammonium nitrate into soil was monitored at Phyllobius arborator (Herbst) under field (polythene greenhouse) and laboratory (Climacell) conditions. In birch leaves, the content of nitrogen increased. The diameter and height increment was stimulated by the application of 0.5-1 g, higher doses induced stress and the fall of increment. According to the frequency of feeding marks on leaves and food consumption by weevils of the genus Phyllobius in a polythene greenhouse, birch with the higher content of nitrogen was preferred. In laboratory rearing, females showed higher food requirements. In short-term rearing, differentiation did not occur in the amount of consumed food in males and females depending on the nitrogen content.

Keywords: nitrogen;Betula pendula (Roth);Phyllobius arborator (Herbst)

Published: January 31, 2008  Show citation