1. Community Genetics Experiments 2011 Two experiments have been set up at the ASU Biology Gilley Research Station to address questions surrounding the role of genetic variation in a dominant old-field plant species in shaping the insect community. The Gilley site is a 142ha land parcel donated to ASU by Mr. Robert Gilley to be used for biological research. The site combines an open field with predominately mixed hardwood forest habitat, providing an extensive, undisturbed setting for field research.

2. Our experiments address two primary objectives: Examining the role of environment in the form of plants collected from different elevations with effects of genotype in a crossed factorial design. Examining the possible role of chemical induction due to feeding by a native Chrysomelid beetle on genotype colonization by aphids (predominantly).

3. Solidago altissima provides a good model system for examining intra-specific variation in a dominant plant species that grows at different elevations in the southeast.

4. Ramets (to be confirmed using microsatellites) were collected at locations in east Tennessee and propagated at the ASU greenhouse beginning in summer 2010.

5. In March 2011, 3cm sections of rhizomes were sown in nursery pots to produce plants for the field experiments at the Gilley site.

6. For our elevation X genotype experiment, 8 plants are arranged in a roughly circular pattern within 1m 2 plots spaced 1m apart. Ramets collected from 4 elevations (260, 585, 885 and 1126m) are planted in monocultures of 4 genotypes, with 3 replicates per elevation and genotype combination (48 total plots). The common garden was planted in mid-May. Insects will be sampled in July and September and foliage collected for chemical analysis.

7. For the damaged vs. undamaged plants experiment, 4 plants are arranged in a circular pattern within plots of approximately 0.52m area spaced 0.6m apart. Ramets are planted in 3 replicate monocultures of 4 genotypes, with two treatments, previously damaged and undamaged (24 total plots). The common garden was planted in late May. Insects will be sampled in August and foliage collected for chemical analysis.