Name: ___ Lab Section:_____

PRE-ASSIGN LEAVES FOR STUDENTS AT THE END OF LAB 3 FOR LAB 4.1 PRE-LAB

Laboratory Unit 4.1-Spring – Ecological Methods: Field Sampling Techniques

Leaf Herbivory and Fungal Occurrence on Tree Species

Spring Data Collection Handout – Sampling 1 Tree/student (though data from all 4 trees in the assigned Group
must be collected to complete this assignment)

Methods: Review the provided information on the Lab 4.1 Leaf Herbivory Pre-Lab Webpage
Step 1: Record your observations below: Tree 4C: American Elm

● Description of sampling location. This was found on campus: Mulched box outside Cox Hall; near
sidewalks.
o Insert pictures:

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Name: ___ Lab Section:_____

● Description of observations around each tree sampled: There was mulch around the trees surrounded by
a box like shape to keep it inside and keep other things out.

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o Insert pictures:

● Tree Identification (genus and species, and common name): American Elm
● Scientific Name: Ulmus americana

● Insert picture(s) and name the different types of leaf herbivory you observe on your tree - refer to
https://wordpress-projects.wolfware.ncsu.edu/bio-181l-zchxzbn/laboratory-units/unit-4-leaf-herbivory-

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Name: ___ Lab Section:_____

examples Based on what I can see from the pictures I would say there was some chewing going on from
insects. Also based on the discoloration I would say that some mining could have possibly taken place.

● Insert pictures of types of fungal infection you observe on your tree: Oak leaf miner- Cameraria spp. –
where larva fees between leaf surfaces creating blotch- like mines

It can look browner when there is a heavily infestation.

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● Other observations: most of the tree looks healthy but some leaves are this yellowy color with bits and
pieces of brown from the insects.

o Insert pictures and/or write your observations:

As you can see in these photos there is some

healthy-looking leaves but also some that don’t look to good.

Step 2: Complete the following research on your tree species to learn more about their ecological niche:

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Name: ___ Lab Section:_____

The following Resources may be helpful, though you may use other reputable sources

NCSU Extension - Plant Guide - https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/

Arbor Day Foundation - https://shop.arborday.org/treeguide/

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center https://www.wildflower.org/plants (good for native plants)

Ideal Growing Conditions: It grows well in average moisture, well-drained soils in full sun, although it tolerates
light shade. It prefers rich, moist loams and adapts to both wet and dry sites. It tolerates urban conditions. They
bloom around late winter to early spring.

Known Tree Health Concerns: Dutch Elm Disease - a fatal fungal disease spread by airborne bark beetles that
attacks the water-conducting tissue of the tree, resulting in wilting, defoliation, and death.

Phloem necrosis - a disease caused by a phytoplasma that attacks the food-conducting tissue of this tree, usually
resulting in a loosening of the bark, wilting, defoliation, and death.

Wetwood is a bacterial disease that results in wilting and dieback.

Wildlife Value: Provides shade, it’s a food source, larval host, and it can nest wildlife.

Supports species of Larvae such as Painted Lady, Eastern Comma, Mourning Cloak, Question Mark Butterfly. Also,
the seeds are eaten by songbirds and other small mammals

Steps 3 & 4: Record leaf surface area and damage data in the table below: (Table 4.1-1)

Table 4.1-1. Calculations of approximate leaf surface area (SA)

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Name: ___ Lab Section:_____

TREE #1 SPECIES: _______American Elm_______________________________

COUNTRY OR REGION OF ORIGIN: ___Eastern North America______________ NATIVE/NON-
NATIVE __Native________
LOCATION & DATE: ___Mulched box outside Cox Hall; near sidewalks____9/28/2020____

LEAF # OVERALL HERBIVORY FUNGAL TOTAL PERCENT TYPE(S) OF

LEAF DAMAGE DAMAGE LEAF HERBIVORY
SA LEAF LEAF SA DAMAGE LEAF PRESENT
SA DAMAGE

1 36 2 8.5 10.5 105% Chewing and

Mining

2 25.5 3 5 8 08% Chewing and

Mining

3 35.5 1 0 1 01% Chewing

4 31 1 3.5 4.5 045% Chewing and

Mining

5 14 .5 1 1.5 015% Mining

6 22 6 6.5 12.5 125% Chewing and

Mining

7 31.5 2.5 9 11.5 115% Chewing and

Mining

8 19.5 0 0 0 0% none

9 31.5 1 0 1 01% Chewing

10 44 1 6.5 7.5 075% Chewing and

Mining

290.5 18 40 58 16.33
TOTAL SA OF
LEAVES/
CATEGORY

29.05 1.8 4 5.8 1.63

AVE. SURF.
AREA/10
LEAVES

Additional Notes: