Abundance and diversity in insect visitors to extra-floral Nectaries in elderberries (Sambucus nigra)

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) cultivation is of growing interest among Mid-Missouri farmers. The fruit find uses in a variety of settings - from being sold on their own, to being processed into jams and jellies, or even distilled into a unique wine as part of a burgeoning industry. Despite this spike in popularity in recent years, little research exists in any field related to S. nigra, particularly in the area of insect-plant interactions. We studied two elderberry fields in central Missouri, one research and one commercial, to establish a better understanding of the role the extra-floral nectaries of elderberry play in this regard. Observations were taken at various times throughout the day and across the growing season (May-July) to establish interaction patterns in various states of plant phenology. The data was examined for insect abundance and diversity variations across: plant cultivar, time of day, time of season, average temperature and humidity, and plant phenology. Further studies might document the role specific insects play in the success or failure of S. nigra crops in both Missouri and across the United States.