Helianthella flower removal experiment (Asteraceae)

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Method synopsis

Experimental removal of flower buds to simulate frost damage effects, allowing comparison of microclimate conditions between plots with and without flower displays in subalpine meadow.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 9 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Removing flowers of a generalist plant changes pollinator visitation, composition, and interaction network structure (2022), Ecosphere. The protocol was originally introduced by Helianthella quinquernervis ray floret removal: effect on insect visitation frequency (2009). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Establish study plots
   Created 20 circular plots measuring 15m in diameter within a subalpine meadow ecosystem. Plots were paired based on spatial proximity within the meadow, with edge of each experimental pair located on average 3m apart. Plot pairs were randomly assigned to treatment (flower removal) or control conditions.
   Quantities: 20 total plots (10 treatment, 10 control), 15m diameter each, arranged in 10 paired replicatesDuration: Initial setup prior to flowering seasonConditions: Subalpine meadow ecosystem at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Colorado
   Equipment: measuring tape or similar for plot establishment
2. Remove Helianthella flowers
   Cut all Helianthella capitula within floral removal plots while they were in the flower bud stage, approximately 1 week before the start of Helianthella flowering period. Any flower heads that were missed during initial removal were subsequently removed when they began to bloom. Applied similar trampling treatment to control plots by replicating trampling effects without removing flowers.
   Quantities: All Helianthella capitula removed from 10 treatment plotsDuration: Initial removal 1 week before flowering, with subsequent removals as needed when missed buds bloomedConditions: During flower bud stage before blooming begins
   cutting tools for flower removal

Typical Equipment

• measuring tape
• plot markers
• hand tools for flower removal

Output Measurements

• treatment effect on soil temperature
• treatment effect on soil moisture
• treatment effect on reflectance

Papers Using This Protocol (9)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used