This research determines how gap size influence folivorous insects on seedling and sapling plants of Guyana Rainforest. Gap may extend this influence directly and indirectly. Directly, via changes in quality and quantity of light that differs within gaps, thus favouring different rates of herbivory and indirectly by influencing the growth and characteristics of certain flora which may enchance the resource available to folivory. Therefore, this study proposes to conduct a preliminary survey into the species richnes and population size of folivorous insect and to evaluate the impact of leaf chewing insects have on certain seedling and sapling plants, both at different gap categories. Fifteen natural gaps are selected from 1km 2 area, using Runkle's definition, and equally divided into categories of small, medium and large.
Areas are grid to facilitate random selection for insects.
It will extend for another ten months and during this period insect collection, plant physical and chemical characteristics and leaf damage will be done from gap categories. The Principal Investigator is Mr Elroy Charles , who is assisted by Mr Linsford La Goudou . Supervisors include Dr Yves Basset , Dr David Hammond and Mr. John Caesar.