KERSCH-BECKER LAB
at Penn State
Research
Interactive effects between plants and predators
Our research aims to determine the relative strength of top-down and bottom-up forces by exploring the effect of both plants and natural enemies on herbivore population dynamics and community structure. We investigate the critical role of plant quality on predator-prey interactions, using tomato plant, aphids and predators as a model system.
Functional traits of predators and predation risk
The functional traits of predators (e.g. hunting mode) influence the perception of predation risk by different guilds. We investigate how plant defenses affect not only the consumptive (i.e. mortality) but also the non-consumptive effects (i.e.“fear”) of predators on prey. Our research shows that non-consumptive effects can be as important as consumption itself.
Plant traits affect the complexity and dynamics of plant-associated communities.
Changes in plant traits can cause cascading effects, altering the entire organization of arthropod communities. We are interested in identifying chemical signals shaping ecological communities.
Climate change and species interactions
Climate change is causing extensive modifications to the ranges, life histories, and phenologies of various species. These changes have an impact on species interactions, population dynamics, and eventually, the structure and function of communities. The worldwide loss of top predators from natural and agricultural systems has increased the urgency to identify the mechanisms by which climate change is contributing to their decline, and how it will decrease the biological control of pest species. Our research addresses the potential impacts of climate change on crop systems, particularly the negative effects on plant performance, increased pest pressure, and disruption of biological pest control. This information is particularly important given the urgent need to mitigate the severe consequences of global change stressors.
