Reciprocal Interactions Between Herbivores and Plant Pathogens on Cottonwood (Biotic Systems and Resources)

It is recognized that abiotic 'stress' or damage and insect and disease attack on plants can change their subsequent resistance to insects and diseases. However, there is little consensus on whether stress and damage have the same effects; whether abiotic and biotic perturbations have the same effects; whether insects and diseases produce the same effects; whether overall resistance increases or decreases; and what the mechanisms and evolutionary implications are. In this research, an integrated approach will be taken using experiments with a model system--cottonwood, a beetle, an aphid, and rust and leaf-spot fungi--in order to determine if stress/damage caused by different insects or diseases results in consistent patterns of plant physical and chemical characteristics and insect and disease performance. By comparing these results with data on chemical and resistance changes due to abiotic ozone induced stress, the overall patterns of physical, chemical and biotic changes can be elucidated, which mechanisms may be responsible can be infered, and the implications to the evolution of plant defense can be deduced. An understanding of how a plant responds to damage and stress due to ozone as well as insect herbivory and pathogen-caused disease allows us to predict the consequences of pollution on plant growth and mortality. These findings have direct implications to issues in agriculture and forestry on the consequences of air pollution, ozone, and acid rain on crop yield and forest vigor. Dr. Krischik will teach a topic seminar in plant-insect-microbial interactions and be a panel member in a full-day forum on 'Opportunities in Ecology.' Through the IES Education Program, she will visit area schools and encourage young women to pursue careers in science and teach in a 'Workshop for School Science Teachers.' Dr. Krischik will also lecture in the ecology courses offered at nearby Vassar College. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.