Herbivory resistance in dwarf shrubs combines with simulated warming to shift phenology and decrease reproduction

Research focus on the phenology of plants has accompanied current trends in climate warming, because the two are inextricably linked. Warmer temperatures have led to advanced plant phenology in a range of systems, although some responses are species specific. However, other stressors, such as herbivory, can delay or advance plant phenology, and few studies have addressed the combined impact of these drivers. We experimentally warmed plots with open top chambers (OTCs) and simulated herbivory resistance to insect outbreaks with Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), along an elevational climatic gradient. We then recorded vegetative and reproductive phenology in two functionally important dwarf shrubs, the deciduous Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and the evergreen V. vitis-idaea (lingonberry), to test the responses to the combined treatments. Based on earlier findings, we expected larger phenological responses at higher elevations and for bilberry. We found that in the year after MeJA application, bot..., , , # Herbivory resistance in dwarf shrubs combines with simulated warming to shift phenology and decrease reproduction [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.2rbnzs7zz](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.2rbnzs7zz) ## Description of the data and file structure This dataset contains two sheets - one for Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and one for Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry). The data for both sheets come from a field experiment conducted between 2017 and 2019. There were 3 field sites (Low, Mid and High), each of which have 6 blocks (A to F). Within each block there are four plots (1-4), and each plot was given one of 4 treatments: 1) warming only with OTC, 2) warming and \"resistance\" treatment (sprayed with Methyl jasmonate in 2016), 3) Resistance only, 4) no OTC or resistance (control). Within each plot, we counted flowers regularly to provide plot level phenology data on flowering. Also, we followed 4 ramets in each plot to provide mean plot level phenology data on vegetative stages. Also...