Within- and trans-generational effects of herbivores and detritivores on plant performance and reproduction

1. Mutualistic and antagonistic aboveground and belowground species have the potential to be involved in strong interactions that can either weaken or strengthen their individual impacts on plants. Their impacts can also have delayed effects on a plant's progeny by altering offspring traits and survival. Few studies have explored the effect of herbivore and detritivore interactions with parent plants on offspring vital life-cycle processes, such as seedling emergence rate, seedling establishment, and offspring survival. 2. In the field, I experimentally studied the combined effects of floral herbivores, root herbivores, and detritivores on plant growth and reproduction of Moricandia moricandioides (Brassicaceae). In particular, I analysed the trans-generational effects of herbivores and detritivores on seed and juvenile production as well as on vital life-cycle processes (i.e. seedling emergence rates, survival). 3. Floral herbivores strongly reduced the number of flowers, fruits, seeds...