Specific Aim: To sample each species of Ulmus present on the UMass Amherst campus, and to survey them for leaf mining insects.
Approach and Analysis: This experiment aims to sample leaves from every available Elm on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. There are currently 293 Elms on campus, and 17 unique species. At least one of each Elm species will be searched for evidence of leaf miners by observing the lowest branches of the tree. All observed leaf miners will be removed from the infected tree as well as a healthy uninfected leaf in close proximity. The location of the Elm will be marked, and the leaves will be cataloged for further analysis.
Specific Aim: To categorize infected leaves and identify factors related to the predation of
infected leaves.
Approach and Analysis: After obtaining a collection of infected leaves, we intend to
measure the symmetry of each leaf from the mid rib. We intend to collect four width measurements every fifth of the way up the leaf from the base. We will measure from the outside leaf edge to the edge of the midrib on both the infected and uninfected leaves. We will also count the amount of veins, and the average distance between veins, on each side of the mid rib. This data will be analyzed for trends involving predation, the entry site of the miner, and the relative symmetry of each leaf in comparison to the ignored leaves.
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