The authors tested the effects of clipping and root herbivory, both separately and combined, on the growth and leaf gas exchange of sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula). Nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus claytoni) increased quickly on both defoliated and non-defoliated plants, although higher numbers were found on non-defoliated plants at the end of the study. However, as defoliated plants had lower root mass, there were 46% more nematodes per unit root biomass on these plants. Both defoliation and nematode feeding significantly decreased shoot production. Defoliation significantly decreased tiller production, but nematode feeding did not. Defoliation and nematode feeding both altered ratios of root to shoot production. Nematode feeding did not decrease rates of photosynthesis.
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