PRF/J:  Regulation of Phytophagus Insect Populations:       Density Perturbation Experiments on Microrhopala vittata,   an Herbivore of Solidago
{'Code': '08010208', 'Directorate': {'Abbreviation': 'BIO', 'LongName': 'Direct For Biological Sciences'}, 'Division': {'Abbreviation': 'DEB', 'LongName': 'Division Of Environmental Biology'}}
{'SignBlockName': 'Althea Ball', 'PO_EMAI': 'aball@nsf.gov', 'PO_PHON': '7032920000'}
It has long been debated whether populations of phytophagous                    insects are regulated by density-dependent processes acting to                  return their densities to equilibrium levels, or whether they                   are characterized instead by non-equilibrium processes such as                  local extinction and recolonization.  This question will be                     addressed by performing density-perturbation experiments on                     Microrhopala vittata, a leaf-mining beetle that feeds on                        goldenrod (Solidago spp.).  Work will commence with assessments                 of density, mortality and fecundity of this beetle in several                   small (&lt;1000 stems) stands of goldenrod.  Populations will then                 have their density experimentally supplemented (to levels 10-20%                below the minimum observed), and the effect of these                            manipulations on predation, parasitism, fecundity and dispersal                 will be quantified.  All samples for mortality and fecundity will               be done non-destructively (no Microrhopala or enemies will be                   killed) so that quantification of these processes will not affect               population density.  A return of Microrhopala density to more                   moderate levels following perturbations will support the                        equilibrium viewpoint.  Alternatively, supplemented populations                 may irrupt and reduced populations may become locally extinct;                  this would constitute evidence for the non-equilibrium viewpoint.                                                                                               Funding is being awarded for two years of postdoctoral fellowship               research at The University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada.
{'FirstName': 'Naomi', 'LastName': 'Cappuccino', 'PI_MID_INIT': 'R', 'PI_SUFX_NAME': None, 'PI_FULL_NAME': 'Naomi R Cappuccino', 'EmailAddress': 'n.capp@mail.utexas.edu', 'NSF_ID': '000108290', 'StartDate': '05/01/1989', 'EndDate': None, 'RoleCode': 'Principal Investigator'}
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{'Code': '9145', 'Text': 'SPECIAL PROGRAMS-RESERVE'}
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