Dissertation Data

Herbivores can negatively impact plant reproductive success by modifying floral traits, pollination, and fruit production. To defend themselves, plants develop mechanisms such as extrafloral nectar (EFN) secretion, which attracts protective ants. This study investigated how different levels of leaf herbivory influence reproductive success and EFN secretion in Banisteriopsis malifolia. Plants were subjected to three treatments: Control (no manipulation), T15 (15% of leaf area removed), and T50 (50% of leaf area removed). After simulated herbivory, EFN secretion increased, attracting more ants. Leaf damage delayed flowering, reduced the number of inflorescences, buds, flowers, and fruits, and decreased fruit size. However, T15 plants produced more samaras per flower than control plants. The study highlights how herbivory and its intensity affect EFN secretion, ant foraging behavior, and reproductive structures, ultimately influencing plant fitness and community dynamics.