Do the Invasive Earthworms Amynthas agrestis (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) and Lumbricus rubellus (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) Stimulate Oxalate-Based Browser Defenses in Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) by Their Presence or Their Soil Biogeochemical Activity?

The introduction of invasive earthworms initiates physical and chemical alterations in previously earthworm-free forest soils, which triggers an ecological cascade. most apparent step is the shift herbaceous plant community composition. However, some species, such as Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit), persist where are present. It has been hypothesized that A. produces insoluble oxalate, herbivory deterrent, presence earthworms. This study aimed to distinguish between effects earthworm-induced changes soils on oxalate production. As such, a two-way factorial greenhouse trial was conducted using uninvaded test this hypothesis for two earthworm species (Amynthas agrestis Lumbricus rubellus). sequential extraction oxalates corms performed with absolute ethanol, deionized water, acetic acid HCl, representing fractions decreasing solubility. Earthworm increased water-soluble (p = 0.002) total 0.022) significantly, but only marginally significantly HCl-soluble 0.065). plants grown exposed did not differ production when were data suggest affect corm concentrations sequence invasion matters by triphyllum.