Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-64-2015 (submitted: 05/26/2015, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Effect of shading on palatability of Iva frutescens to herbivory
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Steven C. Pennings | ||
| Home Institution: | University of Houston | ||
| Award Information: | No funding | ||
| Mailing Address: | Department of Biology and Biochemistry | Phone Number: | (713) 743-2989 |
| University of Houston | E-mail Address: | scpennin@central.uh.edu | |
| Houston, Texas 77204-5513 | |||
| Co-investigators: | |||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
We will do a shading experiment with the high marsh plant Iva fructescens along the side of the beach road (GPS location 31.3953, -81.2742) and near the marine institute (GPS location 31.3981, -81.2818). Ten pairs of plants will be marked. One from each pair will serve as a control. From June to August I will shade the other plant from each pair using shading cloth on a pvc frame. All 20 plants will be sampled for leaf toughness, chlorophyll and nitrogen concentration every month. I will also test the preference of herbivory insects (Paria aterrima and Hesperotettix floridensis) to leaves from shaded and unshaded plants. The experiment will help understand how shading affects Iva fructescens and the insect communities that feed on it.
Where will the project be located?
Along the side of the beach road (GPS location 31.3953, -81.2742) and near the marine institute (GPS location 31.3981, -81.2818).
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
GPS coordinates are listed in the project location field
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 05/28/2015 End Date: 08/30/2015
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
1 person, two times per week.
Please list keywords (as many as are appropriate) that describe your project:
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
Ten Iva plants will be shaded with shadecloth on pvc frames (approximately 2 x 2 x 2 meters).
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
We will collect leaves for feeding experiments and chemical analysis. Approximately 20 leaves per plant twice during the summer, using the UGAMI collection permit.
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
None.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
No. The plants are in the very high marsh and will be accessed from the upland.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
No impacts to the site are expected. Any effect on plants (leaf chemistry, etc.) should reverse itself within a couple months.
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: GCE-64-2015_Permit_LOAck-__SINERR_Pennings_Research_8.18.15 (07/01/2015-indefinite)