Effects of Low-Level Artificial Light at Night on Kentucky Bluegrass and an Introduced Herbivore

Increasing evidence suggests that artificial light at night (ALAN) can negatively impact organisms. However, most studies examine the impacts of ALAN on a single species or under high levels are infrequent unrealistic in urban environments. We currently have little information how low emanating from skyglow affect plants and their interactions with herbivores. examined short-term, grass insects, including growth rate, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance grass, foraging behavior survival crickets. compared leaf-level gas exchange Kentucky Bluegrass ( Poa pratensis ) low-levels (0.3 lux) starlight conditions (0.001 lux). Furthermore, each treatment was divided into treatments without house crickets Acheta domesticus ). Without present, bluegrass grown for three weeks grew taller than natural levels. In fourth week when were introduced, height decreased resulting no measurable effects treatment. There differences physiology among treatments. Our results indicate plant initially. herbivory, may be inconsequential. Gaining an understanding affects plant-insect is critical to predicting ecological evolutionary consequences anthropogenic pollution.