Leaf Damage by Phytophagous Beetles alters Terminalia catappa Green and Senesced Leaf Chemistry

Abstract

Chemical traits of Terminalia catappa L. leaves were determined on the island of Guam to understand the changes caused by beetle leaf herbivory. Green leaf chemistry indicated nitrogen was the most limiting nutrient in the climate and soils of Guam. The changes in leaf chemistry following beetle damage were extensive. Senesced leaf chemistry indicated beetle damage decreased some traits that predict lower leaf litter quality, such as lignin, but also decreased some traits that predict higher leaf litter quality, such as nitrogen. The stoichiometric traits based on carbon:macronutrient and lignin:macronutrient generally predicted higher quality leaf litter following beetle herbivory. The beetles that produce this form of T. catappa leaf damage on Guam are non-native, and overall, the results indicate these pests will increase the rate of litter decomposition and nutrient turnover in habitats where T. catappa is prevalent.