Cycas micronesica Megastrobilus Traits Respond to Chronic Herbivory by Aulacaspis yasumatsui

Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi invaded Guam in 2003 and caused the widespread mortality of indigenous Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill population. The regeneration surviving tree population continues to be constrained 20 years later, a look at changes megastrobili traits may inform future conservation management decisions concerning regeneration. We quantified megastrobilus reproductive effort output from 2001 2022 address this need. each was immediately reduced by invasion, as number megasporophylls declined 29%, ovules 73% 2006. Reproductive also damaged, percent seed set 56% seeds per strobilus 88%. These fecundity metrics have shown few signs recovery through 2022. Our results reveal that chronic A. infestations, combined with other invasive herbivore threats, damaged host C. sustained reduction ovule production for megastrobilus, thereby impairing This plant response biotic threats is distinct ongoing mature trees emerging seedlings. Conservation interventions required foster return adequate during attempts aid recovery.