Effects of drought on plant-pollinator interactions in a multi-factorial grassland experiment

Description

Droughts and heatwaves are predicted to increase in both frequency and severity in the coming years. These events have been shown to potentially affect plant-pollinator networks via multiple pathways, including changes in the amount of available nectar as well as in plant phenology. At the same time, pollinator declines are further affecting plant-pollinator interactions in our current environment. We are only beginning to understand how these effects co-occur and influence each other under field-realistic conditions. We conducted a three-factorial mesocosm experiment in an artificially sown homogenous grassland containing multiple plant- and two pollinator species. We present methodology and first results of an experimental drought treatment under the presence or absence of pollinators. We recorded floral phenology, plant reproductive traits and seed production in our system, focusing on species-specific differences in plant responses and their potential consequences on an ecosystem level. Our results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the effects of drought on plant reproduction in grassland ecosystems. Anticipating future dynamics is important for our ability to proactively apply suitable conservation measures to maintain biodiversity in grassland ecosystems.

Period	2024 Jun 19
Event title	ECCB 2024 - 7th European Congress of Conservation Biology
Event type	Conference
Location	Bologna, ItalyShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International