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Integration of invasive tree, black locust, into agro-ecological flower visitor networks induces competition for pollination services

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Abstract

Invasion of ecosystems by alien species is a global concern. Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae) is one such species which impacts on native diversity and ecosystem functioning. We assessed how R. pseudoacacia affects flower visitation by arthropods in commercial apple orchards in eastern Free State, South Africa. We used paired observations to compare the abundance and diversity of flower visitors and their interactions with the two plant species. Our results showed that R. pseudoacacia flowers attract African honey bees (Apis mellifera) more than apple flowers. However, flower visitation by Diptera, particularly March flies (Bibionidae) was higher in apple flowers. Arthropods of other orders appeared to be minor visitors for both plants as they were recorded in small numbers. Flower visitation rates by A. mellifera did not vary significantly between the two plant species, though it was marginally higher in R. pseudoacacia. The interaction network for the two plant species and their flower visitors showed high nestedness indicating that they are drawing from the same pool of pollinators. Therefore, there is competition for flower visitors between R. pseudoacacia and apples based on the number of shared partners, an interaction which may potentially affect apple pollination and ultimately compromise fruit quality and yields. These findings further support the need to sustainably manage R. pseudoacacia in all invaded habitats including agro-ecosystems.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the Natural Resources Management Programme of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment Affairs through the Centre for Biological Control—Rhodes University. We would also like to thank the University of the Free State and Rhodes University for institutional and administrative support. Jede Kruger and Coen Scheeper’s permission to conduct research on their properties is also highly appreciated.

Funding

Department of Environmental Affairs-Expanded Public Works Programme (DEA-EPWP) (DEA-NRMP). The funders had no role in the study design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data and writing of the report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, P O Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, Republic of South Africa

    Gerald Chikowore, Reyard Mutamiswa & Frank Chidawanyika

  2. Centre for Biological Control, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa

    Gerald Chikowore & Grant D. Martin

  3. Department of Plant Sciences and Afromontane Research Unit, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, Republic of South Africa

    Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen

  4. International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), PO Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

    Frank Chidawanyika

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  1. Gerald Chikowore
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Correspondence to Frank Chidawanyika.

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Chikowore, G., Steenhuisen, SL., Mutamiswa, R. et al. Integration of invasive tree, black locust, into agro-ecological flower visitor networks induces competition for pollination services. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 15, 787–796 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-021-09851-3

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