Irrigation and fertilization of Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Asteraceae) affect the attack and gall growth of Rhopalomyia chrysothamni (Cecidomyiidae)

The quality of the environment and host plant influence development galls as well performance gall inducing insects. effect nutrients water availability on induced by Rhopalomyia chrysothamni (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Chrysothamnus nauseosus subsp. hololeucus (Asteraceae) was tested. study conducted in a xeric area with no signs disturbances Coconino National Forest, Arizona, USA. Individuals C. randomly selected underwent three treatments availability. At end growing season, number attacked plants, abundance each treatment were evaluated. differences habitat simulated fertility humidity conditions influenced both plants growth galls. Plants lower hydric-nutritional more galling insect. Otherwise, when nutritional stresses relieved developed higher dry biomass density. Therefore, this field experimental indicates that while females environments, grew larger relatively mesic conditions. results showed trade-off between quantity R. depending plants.