Native and non-native ant impacts on soil microbes

Author

Hannah A. Stewart, State University of New York College at Buffalo - Buffalo State CollegeFollow

Date of Award

5-2022

Access Control

Open Access

Degree Name

Biology, M.A.

Department

Biology Department

Advisor

Robert J. Warren II, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology

Department Home page

https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/biology_theses/

First Reader

Daniel L. Potts, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor of Biology

Second Reader

Olga Novikova, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology

Third Reader

Gavin M. Leighton, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology

Abstract

Organisms produce chemical weapons for defense, but target organisms can develop resistance. In their introduced range, non-native species may bring “novel weapons” against which native organisms have not co-evolved resistance. The invasive European fire ant (Myrmica rubra) may have brought antimicrobial secretions to the Northeastern United States that are novel weapons against native fungal and bacterial soil organisms. I hypothesized that M. rubra would better inhibit seed pathogens resulting in greater emergence of native myrmecochorous Viola sororia seeds and, as a side effect, more strongly inhibit arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi than a native seed dispersing ant (Aphaenogaster picea). I also expected M. rubra would have greater suppressive effects on microbial respiration. To test this, I measured taxonomic richness, emergence and biomass of plants that germinated from the seed bank (volunteer plants) and introduced V. sororia seeds. From seeds that failed to germinate I measured percent cover of fungal growth. Finally, I recorded mesocosm CO₂ flux as a proxy measurement of microbial respiration. Viola sororia emergence and biomass did not differ significantly in mesocosms inhabited by M. rubra, A. picea, and control treatments, but overall seed handling was low. Volunteer plant taxonomic richness and percent cover were lower in M. rubra mesocosms than A. picea or controls, perhaps because of the comparatively higher activity levels of M. rubra resulted in more bioturbation. Mesocosm microbial respiration (CO₂ flux) was lower in both M. rubra and A. picea mesocosms than controls, indicating an 'ant' effect rather than a non-native ant effect via novel weapons.

Recommended Citation

Stewart, Hannah A., "Native and non-native ant impacts on soil microbes" (2022). Biology Theses. 48.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/biology_theses/48