Arthropod abundance and diversity on Elderberry extra-floral nectaries is influenced by cultivars and prunning methods

Arthropods are more abundant in the plant species having extra-floral nectary, secreting highly nutritious food (nectar). Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.) is a small fruit crop that bears extra-floral nectaries on the stem, profusely secreting extra-floral nectar. This study aimed at examining arthropod visitations on the extra-floral nactary as influenced by cultivars and prunning methods. Visula observations of arthopod visitations on the extra-floral nectary were taken on nine cultivars with two pruning methods (either base pruned or high pruned) at early, mid, and late elderberry crop growth stages. At each stage, observations were taken in morning, noon, and evening for six consecutive days. Results ahowed that arthropod abundance and diversity was influenced by cultivars and pruning methods. Our results highlight the potential of using elderberry crop in the farmscape to enhance conservation biological control.