Does morphological plasticity of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalaris arundinacea</Emphasis> canopy increase invasiveness?

Morphological plasticity could facilitate invasions of wetland plants into areas that experience increased durations of flooding and eutrophication. We explored canopy plasticity of Phalaris arundinacea, an aggressive invader of wetlands, as it differentially invaded wet prairie mesocosms under 3 flooding durations and 3 levels of nutrient addition. Phalaris grew as a sward with intermittent and early-season flooding but shifted to tussocks under constant flooding. These two growth forms differed by >20% in several canopy ratios. Clones that formed tussocks produced 45% more shoots per unit biomass (P = 0.007) and a 25% higher ratio of total shoot length to biomass (P = 0.04). Lighter-weight shoots supported 33% fewer leaves and, consequently, had 35% less leaf area per shoot height (P < 0.002). Tussocks developed a continuous mat of adventitious roots, with root mats reaching 20.9 ± 0.6 cm in diameter and 4.7 ± 0.3 cm in height over two growing seasons. While forming tussocks, Phalaris tolerated longer durations of flooding and more than doubled its aboveground biomass. Invasions occurred rapidly, with Phalaris exceeding 75% canopy cover and accounting for 66% of the total aboveground biomass under constant flooding. Early-season flooding increased the lateral spread of individual shoots. High nutrient addition produced shoots that were 27% taller and 50% heavier (P < 0.02), with 81% more leaf area (P < 0.0003) than shoots that received no nutrients. Consequently, under early-season flooding with high nutrient additions, Phalaris was primed to invade, nearly doubling its proportion of the total aboveground biomass and exceeding 50% canopy cover during year two.     

Riparian plant community responses to increased flooding: a meta‐analysis

A future higher risk of severe flooding of streams and rivers has been projected to change riparian plant community composition and species richness, but the extent and direction of the expected change remain uncertain. We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize globally available experimental evidence and assess the effects of increased flooding on (1) riparian adult plant and seedling survival, (2) riparian plant biomass and (3) riparian plant species composition and richness. We evaluated which plant traits are of key importance for the response of riparian plant species to flooding. We identified and analysed 53 papers from ISI Web of Knowledge which presented quantitative experimental results on flooding treatments and corresponding control situations. Our meta‐analysis demonstrated how longer duration of flooding, greater depth of flooding and, particularly, their combination reduce seedling survival of most riparian species. Plant height above water level, ability to elongate shoots and plasticity in root porosity were decisive for adult plant survival and growth during longer periods of flooding. Both ‘quiescence’ and ‘escape’ proved to be successful strategies promoting riparian plant survival, which was reflected in the wide variation in survival (full range between 0 and 100%) under fully submerged conditions, while plants that protrude above the water level (>20 cm) almost all survive. Our survey confirmed that the projected increase in the duration and depth of flooding periods is sufficient to result in species shifts. These shifts may lead to increased or decreased riparian species richness depending on the nutrient, climatic and hydrological status of the catchment. Species richness was generally reduced at flooded sites in nutrient‐rich catchments and sites that previously experienced relatively stable hydrographs (e.g. rain‐fed lowland streams). Species richness usually increased at sites in desert and semi‐arid climate regions (e.g. intermittent streams).     

Decomposition rates and phosphorus concentrations of purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Cattail (Typha spp.) in fourteen Minnesota wetlands

Purple Loosestrife is rapidly displacing native vegetation in North American wetlands. Associated changes in wetland plant communities are well understood. Effects of Loosestrife invasion on nutrient cycling and decomposition rates in affected wetlands are unknown, though potentially of significance to wetland function. We used litter bag methods to quantify decomposition rates and phosphorus concentrations of purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and native cattails (Typha spp.) in fourteen Minnesota wetlands. A 170-day study that began in autumn modeled decomposition of Loosestrife leaves. Loosestrife stems andTypha shoots that had overwintered and fragmented were measured in a 280- day study that began in spring. In general, Loosestrife leaves decomposed most rapidly of the three;Typha shoots decomposed faster than Loosestrife stems. Significant decay coefficients (k-values) were determined by F-testing single exponential model regressions of different vegetation types in the fourteen wetlands. Significant decay coefficients were:k = 2.5 × 10⁻³ and 4.32 × 10⁻³ for all Loosestrife leaves (170 d);k = 7.2 × 10⁻⁴ and 1.11 × 10⁻³ for overwintered Loosestrife stems (280-d) andk = 7.9 × 10⁻⁴, 1.42 × 10⁻³ and 2.24 × 10⁻³ for overwinteredTypha shoots (280-d). Phosphorus concentrations of plant tissue showed an initial leaching followed by stabilization or increase probably associated with microbial growth. Loosestrife leaves had twice the phosphorus concentration of Loosestrife stems andTypha shoots. Our results indicate that conversion of wetland vegetation from cattails to Loosestrife may result in significant change in wetland function by altering timing of litter input and downstream phosphorus loads. Conversion of a riverine, flow- through wetland fromTypha to Loosestrife may effectively accelerate eutrophication of downstream water bodies. Impacts of Loosestrife invasion must be considered when wetlands are managed for wildlife or for improvement of downstream water quality.     

Growth of Phragmites australis and Phalaris arundinacea in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in the Czech Republic

Common reed (Phragmites australis) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) are two most commonly used plant species in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in the Czech Republic. Growth characteristics of both plants (biomass, stem count, and length) have been measured in 13 horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands since 1992. The results revealed that while Phalaris usually reaches its maximum biomass as early as during the second growing season, Phragmites usually reaches its maximum only after three to four growing seasons. The maximum biomass of both species varies widely among systems and the highest measured values (5070 g m⁻² for Phragmites and 1900 g m⁻² for Phalaris) are similar to those found in eutrophic natural stands. The shoot count of Phragmites decreases after the second growing season while length and weight of individual shoots increases over time due to self-thinning process. Number of Phalaris shoots is the highest during the second season and then the shoot count remains about the same. Also the shoot length remains steady over years of constructed wetland operation.     

Flooding tolerance and genetic diversity in populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Luehea divaricata</Emphasis>

We investigated some aspects of flooding tolerance in two riparian populations (exposed and no exposed to flooding) of Luehea divaricata C. Martius. Plants derived from seeds collected in each population were submitted to flooding (30 and 60 d), submergence and re-aeration treatments. Plants exposed to flooding showed development of aerenchyma, hypertrophic lenticels and new adventitious roots. Interestingly, whereas the plants originated from population naturally exposed to flooding developed some of these alterations more markedly, they could not survive when totally submerged. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, showed a significant difference between populations, suggesting that seasonal flooding on riparian populations of L. divaricata has been selecting individuals who are more adapted to survive in these conditions.     

Hydrologic and mechanical control for an invasive wetland plant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juncus ingens</Emphasis>, and implications for rehabilitating and managing Murray River floodplain wetlands,Australia

Wetlands are prone to increased invasion by plant species following changes in hydrologic regime, leading to shifts in plant community composition and potentially ecosystem function and health. In this paper, the ecology and potential control of Juncus ingens, a native wetland plant in the Murray-Darling Basin of south-eastern Australia, is investigated. J. ingens has benefited from altered Murray River hydrologic conditions by expanding its range and invading seasonally-flooded grassland and riparian habitats along the Murray River. Here results of complementary glasshouse and field research of seedling and mature J. ingens growth and resilience as influenced by hydrologic regime (moist, saturated, partial inundation and when possible, complete inundation) and mechanical control (i.e., clipping) are presented. A moist hydrologic regime (soil held at field capacity) resulted in the most vigorous seedlings (13.9–73.0% more total biomass), while saturated conditions (flooding maintained level with the soil surface) resulted in the most vigorous mature J. ingens (14.1–98.4% more total biomass). Seedling mortality was greatest under complete and prolonged inundation (60% fatal with remaining 40% showing severe stress), conditions suspected to have limited prior invasion but which currently occur infrequently as a result of reduced flooding magnitude. Clipping was fatal for nearly all seedlings regardless of hydrologic regime but was only fatal for mature plants if coupled with prolonged inundation. Coupling ground-level clipping with strategic flooding may be the most effective means for controlling current populations of J. ingens and limiting further invasion, promoting re-colonisation by displaced species and rehabilitating the health of Barmah Forest and similar Murray River floodplain wetlands.     

Expansion of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phragmites australis</Emphasis> (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Common Reed) into <Emphasis Type="Italic">Typha</Emphasis> spp. (Cattail) Wetlands in Northwestern Indiana,USA

Expansion of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (common reed) into stands of Typha spp. (cattail; Typha australis L. and T. x glauca) is common in the wetlands of northwestern Indiana (USA). To understand this phenomenon better, we investigated the production of shoot sprouts and proportional allocation of biomass as well as a potential role for the water table in the relative dominance of each species. The reduction in sprouts from rhizomes upon vegetative expansion of Phragmites appeared to be the most likely process causing the decline of Typha. The latter had a shoot density of 39/m² in plots without Phragmites, but this dropped to 13 shoots m⁻² in plots that had been invaded by Phramites. Such a decline was likely caused by reduced reserves; e.g., the belowground biomass of Typha decreased from 11.3 g m⁻² without Phragmites to 8.1 g m⁻² with Phragmites. The latter also reduced its belowground biomass but not its shoot density in the presence of Typha. The mean weight of Phragmites shoots was 2.9 g, and nearly all produced inflorescences. Meanwhile, Typha failed to develop spadices despite its shoots having a greater biomass (7 g). This suggests that Phragmites is more efficient than Typha in shoot growth. Springtime flooding appeared to promote the sprout of Typha shoots from shallow rhizomes (≈18 cm below the soil surface), whereas the shoot density of Phragmites showed no correlation with water level in that season. Deep-rooted Phragmites (≈39 cm) occurred on both high and low water-table sites, whereas the shallow-rooted Typha was limited to only the former. Phragmites will likely continue its expansion, by vegetative sprouts from rhizomes, into Typha wetlands.     

Effects of flooding regime on wetland plant growth and species dominance in a mesocosm experiment

Flooding regimes are a primary influence on the wetland plant community. Human-induced disturbance often changes the duration and frequency of flooding in wetlands, and has a marked influence on wetland plant composition and viability. Comprehensive studies of the environmental thresholds of wetland plants are required for the development of proper practices for wetland management and restoration after hydrological disturbance. This study provides a quantitative assessment of the establishment, growth, and community shifts in dominance of three emergent plant species (Scirpus tabernaemontani, Typha orientalis, and Zizania latifolia) typical of South Korean wetlands, under five hydrological regimes (waterlogged, low-level standing water, high-level standing water, intensive periodic flooding, and intermittent flooding) over four growing seasons. A mesocosm experiment was conducted in the campus of Seoul National University, South Korea. The number and biomass of shoots of Z. latifolia responded positively to increased water level and flooding frequency, while that of the other plants did not. Zizania latifolia outcompeted S. tabernaemontani and T. orientalis irrespective of hydrological regime. This study suggests that Z. latifolia can outcompete the other two macrophytes in the field. This study will improve our ability to predict the dynamics of wetland vegetation and so facilitate the formulation of wetland management and restoration strategies.     

Structure and Dynamics of Populations of Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii DC.) in Deciduous Forests of New Jersey

Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii DC., has become a prominent exotic species in deciduous forests throughout the eastern and midwestern US. Populations range from small plants occurring at low densities to dense, impenetrable thickets of plants with up to 40 stems/individual. A study was undertaken at Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey to document plant densities, plant size, recruitment through vegetative processes of new shoot initiation and clonal spread and recruitment from seedling establishment, and mortality of stems and plants. Nearly 2000 shoots on 370 plants were individually marked and followed for two growing seasons, and over 1000 seedlings were also individually marked and followed. Populations vary much more in total shoots/area than they do in plant individuals/area, or in mean plant size (shoots/plant), as even the sparse populations have a few large individuals. Shoot mortality is less than new shoot initiation, but most plants do not change in size or change by small numbers of stems. However, the number of new shoots per plant increases as plant size increases. Once plants have three stems, they suffer little or no mortality. Seedling establishment is proportional to the density of shoots, so that as plants grow in size, local recruitment from seed increases. Large numbers of seedlings, and a survival rate of 10%, combine to make seedling recruitment a major component of population increase. The combination of multiple forms of vegetative and seed-based population growth, and the very low rates of plant mortality due to the multi-stemmed growth form explains the ability of this invasive species to rapidly produce dense, persistent populations.     

水淹干扰对水库水滨带植物群落稳定性与种间关系的影响

受城市化与人类活动等因素影响而退化的水滨带植被的恢复与重建是近年来生态环境的热点问题。植物群落的种间关系直接影响植被的演替与恢复。以南水北调中线一期工程通水前的丹江口水库原有水滨带植被为研究对象,对年均多于9个月（海拔142 m以下）、6-9个月（海拔142-147 m）、3-6个月（海拔147-151 m）和少于3个月（海拔151-157 m）的4种不同强度水淹干扰的水滨带植物群落的稳定性和种间关系进行分析,探讨不同水淹干扰强度对水库水滨带植物群落稳定性及种间关系的影响。采用M.Godron稳定性测定法对植物群落稳定性进行分析,通过方差比率（VR）、χ²检验、联结系数（AC）以及Spearman秩相关检验对不同水淹干扰强度下的植物群落优势种进行种间关联分析。结果表明：（1）水库水滨带植物群落稳定性从高到低依次为水淹时长3-6个月、水淹时长6-9个月、水淹时长少于3个月和水淹时长多于9个月。中度水淹干扰下的植物群落稳定性要好于重度和轻度水淹干扰的植物群落;（2）不同水淹干扰强度下水滨带植物群落总体性关联表现为显著正相关。随着水淹时间增加,群落中正联结种对占总对数的比例呈下降趋势,负联结种对比例呈增加趋势,正负联结比值降低,群落内种间联结强度逐渐降低,说明水淹干扰强度增加会导致水滨带植物群落种群间相互依存关系减弱或竞争关系加剧。在此基础上,探讨不同水淹干扰强度下物种的空间分布和生态习性,并提出针对不同水淹干扰强度的水滨带植被恢复的物种选择建议。     

Morphological and biomechanical responses of floodplain willows to tidal flooding and salinity

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Drainage Size, Stream Intermittency, and Ecosystem Function in a Sonoran Desert Landscape

Understanding the interactions between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems remains an important research focus in ecology. In arid landscapes, catchments are drained by a channel continuum that represents a potentially important driver of ecological pattern and process in the surrounding terrestrial environment. To better understand the role of drainage networks in arid landscapes, we determined how stream size influences the structure and productivity of riparian vegetation, and the accumulation of organic matter (OM) in soils beneath plants in an upper Sonoran Desert basin. Canopy volume of velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), as well as overall plant cover, increased along lateral upland–riparian gradients, and among riparian zones adjacent to increasingly larger streams. Foliar δ¹³C signatures for P. velutina suggested that landscape patterns in vegetation structure reflect increases in water availability along this arid stream continuum. Leaf litter and annual grass biomass production both increased with canopy volume, and total aboveground litter production ranged from 137 g m⁻² y⁻¹ in upland habitat to 446 g m⁻² y⁻¹ in the riparian zone of the perennial stream. OM accumulation in soils beneath P. velutina increased with canopy volume across a broad range of drainage sizes; however, in the riparian zone of larger streams, flooding further modified patterns of OM storage. Drainage networks represent important determinants of vegetation structure and function in upper Sonoran Desert basins, and the extent to which streams act as sources of plant-available water and/or agents of fluvial disturbance has implications for material storage in arid soils.     

Effects of soil fertility and flooding regime on the growth of Ambrosia trifida

Understanding the effects of abiotic environmental factors on invasive plants species traits is of importance for practical prevention. To examine the effects of soil fertility and flooding regime on the growth of Ambrosia trifida L., a mesocosm experiment was conducted for 18 weeks. Two levels of soil fertility (high and low) and three types of flooding regime (non-flooded, flooded, and periodically flooded) were prepared. Shoot height and dry weight of each plant were measured. We found both individual and interactive effects of soil fertility and flooding regime on the overall growth performance of A. trifida (p?<?0.05). The highest shoot height (154.7?±?4.4 cm) and total dry weight (TDW, 13.0?±?1.4 g) were obtained under high fertility and non-flooded condition. Height and weight were relatively low under flooding conditions (flooded and periodically flooded). In particular, shoot height (102.3?±?3.2 cm) and TDW (3.2?±?0.3 g) were the lowest under low fertility and periodically flooded condition. On the other hand, the ratio of above- to below-ground dry weight was relatively high under flooded conditions, showing the adaptive phenotypic plasticity. Adventitious root formation and more biomass allocation to shoots were a flooding-adaptive mechanism of A. trifida, well developed under high fertility condition. We suggest maintaining appropriate water regime and avoiding eutrophication in wetlands would be necessary to prevent A. trifida from invading. These findings will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in wetlands by effective management of A. trifida.

     

How do depth,duration and frequency of flooding influence the establishment of wetland plant communities?

In many temporary wetlands such as those on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales Australia, the development of plant communities is largely the result of germination and establishment from a long-lived, dormant seed bank, and vegetative propagules that survive drought. In these wetlands the pattern of plant zonation can differ from year to year and season to season, and depth is not always a good indicator of the plant community composition in different zones. In order to determine which aspects of water regime (depth, duration or frequency of flooding) were important in the development of plant communities an experiment using seed bank material from two wetlands was undertaken over a 16 week period in late spring–early summer 1995–1996. Seed bank samples were exposed to 17 different water-level treatments with different depths, durations and frequencies of flooding. Species richness and biomass of the communities that established from the seed bank were assessed at the end of the experiment and the data were examined to determine which aspects of water regime were important in the development of the different communities. It was found that depth, duration and frequency of inundation influenced plant community composition, but depth was least important, and also that the duration of individual flooding events was important in segregating the plant communities. Species were grouped according to their ability to tolerate or respond to fluctuations in flooding and drying. The highest biomass and species richness developed in pots that were never flooded. Least biomass and species richness developed in pots that were continuously flooded. Short frequent floods promoted high species richness and biomass especially of Amphibious fluctuation-tolerator species and Amphibious fluctuation-responder species that have heterophylly. Terrestrial species were able to establish during dry phases between short floods. Depth was important in determining whether Amphibious fluctuation-tolerator or Amphibious fluctuation-responder species had greater biomass. Longer durations of flooding lowered species richness and the biomass of terrestrial species. Experiments of this kind can assist in predicting vegetation response to water-level variation in natural and modified wetlands.     

Seasonal dynamics of shoot biomass of dominant clonal herb species in an oak–hornbeam forest herb layer

Seasonal fluctuations of light availability, nutrient concentrations, and moisture affect plant population traits like density, standing biomass, and flowering. We analyzed seasonal changes of density and shoot biomass of the four most frequent herb species growing in an oak–hornbeam forest community, i.e., Anemone nemorosa, Ficaria verna, Galeobdolon luteum, and Galium odoratum. In 2010 and 2011 plant biomass was harvested from 7 to 10 randomly situated square sample plots (0.36 m²) in the homogenous oak–hornbeam forest community every week in the spring and every two weeks in the summer and autumn. The highest abundance of Anemone nemorosa reached over 1000 shoots per m², of Ficaria verna 459.5 shoots per m², of Galium odoratum 83.6 shoots per m², and of Galeobdolon luteum 98.4 shoots per m² (means for 2010 and 2011, based on all sample plots). We did not observe negative correlation between density and shoot biomass. Growth rates of vegetative shoot biomass amounted to 0.857 mg day^?1 for Anemone nemorosa, 0.467 mg day^?1 for Ficaria verna, 0.722 mg day^?1 for Galium odoratum, and 0.448 mg day^?1 for Galeobdolon luteum (means for 2010 and 2011). Spring ephemerals had much higher densities of shoots than summer-greens. Summer-greens reached higher biomass of individual shoots than spring ephemerals. Flowering shoots constituted only 4, 2, and 11% of all shoots for A. nemorosa, F. verna, and G. odoratum, respectively. More resource availability resulting in high shoot biomass did not translate to higher share of flowering shoots.

     

Allometric growth, disturbance regime, and dilemmas of controlling invasive plants: a model analysis

Disturbed communities are observed to be more susceptible to invasion by exotic species, suggesting that some attributes of the invaders may interact with disturbance regime to facilitate invasion success. Alternanthera philoxeroides, endemic to South America, is an amphibious clonal weed invading worldwide. It tends to colonize disturbed habitats such as riparian zones, floodplain wetlands and agricultural areas. We developed an analytical model to explore the interactive effects of two types of physical disturbances, shoot mowing and root fragmentation, on biomass production dynamics of A. philoxeroides. The model is based on two major biological assumptions: (1) allometric growth of root (belowground) vs. shoot (aboveground) biomass and (2) exponential regrowth of shoot biomass after mowing. The model analysis revealed that the interaction among allometric growth pattern, shoot mowing frequency and root fragmentation intensity might lead to diverse plant ‘fates’. For A. philoxeroides whose root allocation decreases with growing plant size, control by shoot mowing was faced with two dilemmas. (1) Shoot regrowth can be effectively suppressed by frequent mowing. However, frequent shoot mowing led to higher biomass allocation to thick storage roots, which enhanced the potential for faster future plant growth. (2) In the context of periodic shoot mowing, individual shoot biomass converged to a stable equilibrium value which was independent of the root fragmentation intensity. However, root fragmentation resulted in higher equilibrium population shoot biomass and higher frequency of shoot mowing required for effective control. In conclusion, the interaction between allometric growth and physical disturbances may partially account for the successful invasion of A. philoxeroides; improper mechanical control practices could function as disturbances and result in exacerbated invasion.     

三峡库区岸生植物秋华柳对水淹的光合和生长响应

为阐明三峡库区岸生植物秋华柳(Salix variegata)对水淹的耐受机制,模拟三峡库区消落带水淹发生的情况,研究了在不同水淹时间和水淹深度处理下秋华柳的光合和生长特性。实验设置了对照(不进行水淹,常规供水管理)、水淹根部(植株置于水中,植株地下部分被淹没)、水下0.5 m(植株置于水中,植株顶部在水面下0.5 m)和水下2 m(植株置于水中,植株顶部在水面下2 m)4个不同的水淹深度和0、10、20、40、60和90 d 6个不同的水淹时间处理,并测定了在不同水淹时间和水淹深度处理下秋华柳的光合作用、叶绿素荧光和生长。研究结果发现:随着水淹时间的延长,对照和水淹根部植株都具有高的净光合速率、表观量子效率和羧化效率。水淹40 d后,相同水淹深度处理秋华柳植株的净光合速率显著高于耐水湿环境的垂柳(Salix babylonica)(p<0.05)。水淹90 d后,全淹处理植株的光合能力较对照有显著的下降(p<0.05),对照、水下0.5 m和水下2 m植株的净光合速率分别为13.2、10.1和8.05 μmol·m^-2·s^-1,同时全淹植株PSII的最大光化学效率也有一定程度的下降,显著低于对照和水淹根部处理的植株(p<0.05)。水淹40、60和90 d后,全淹植株的胞间CO₂浓度都高于对照和水淹根部植株。随着水淹时间的增加,水淹根部植株不定根数量不断增加,而全淹植株只有极少量的不定根产生。水淹根部植株的主茎长的增量、分枝数的增量、主茎新生叶片数、根生物量的积累和总生物量的积累都高于全淹植株,全淹植株在水淹过程中,其主茎长、分枝数、主茎新叶数、根生物量和总生物量都有增加,同时其凋落叶片较多。水淹90 d后,秋华柳植株的存活率为100%。研究结果表明,秋华柳在经过较长时间的水淹后,表现出较强的光合和生长适应性,可以考虑将秋华柳列为三峡库区消落带植被构建的物种之一。     

Effect of soil flooding on photosynthesis,carbohydrate partitioning and nutrient uptake in the invasive exotic Lepidium latifolium

Lepidium latifolium L. is an invasive exotic crucifer that has spread explosively in wetlands and riparian areas of the western United States. To understand the ecophysiological characteristics of L. latifolium that affect its ability to invade riparian areas and wetlands, we examined photosynthesis, chlorophyll concentration, carbohydrate partitioning and nutrient uptake in L. latifolium in response to soil flooding. Photosynthesis of flooded plants was about 60–70% of the rate of unflooded controls. Chlorophyll concentrations of flooded plants were about 60–70% of the unflooded plants during 15–50 days of flooding. Flooding resulted in an increase in leaf starch concentration, but root starch concentration was not significantly affected. However, concentrations of soluble sugar were significantly higher in both leaves and roots of flooded plants than unflooded controls. On day 50 after initial flooding, the concentrations of N, P, K and Zn in leaves of flooded plants were lower than in control plants. The concentrations of Mn and Fe in leaves of flooded plants were eight and two times those of control plants, respectively. In contrast, N, P, K and Zn concentrations of roots of flooded plants were slightly higher than in unflooded plants. The concentrations of Fe and Mn in roots of flooded plants were 15 and 150 times those of the control plants, respectively. The transport of P, K, and Zn to shoots decreased and that of Mn increased under flooding. The accumulation of N, K and Zn in roots decreased and that of Mn increased in response to flooding. The results suggested that the maintenance of relatively high photosynthesis and the accumulation of soluble sugar in roots of flooded plants are important adaptations for this species in flooded environments. Despite a reduction in photosynthesis and disruption in nutrient and photosynthate allocation in response to flooding, L. latifolium was able to survive 50 days of flooding stress. Overall, L. latifolium performed like a facultative hydrophyte species under flooding.     

Responses of Plants and Arthropods to Burning and Disking of Riparian Habitats

Abstract: Alteration of Iowa, USA, landscapes for agricultural production has resulted in a loss of >99% of the original prairie and >95% of native wetlands. This conversion has included riparian areas, which, as interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are important to many wildlife species. Farm Bill programs have resulted in the reestablishment of millions of hectares of grasslands and wetlands nationwide, including >100,000 ha in riparian areas of the Midwest. We assessed plant and arthropod responses to burning and disking of riparian grasslands in east-central Iowa in 2001 and 2002. Burning altered the plant community by removing litter and standing dead vegetation and had negative effects on several arthropod taxa, including Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. However, we observed no differences in vegetation or arthropods between burned and unburned fields during the second year postburning (P > 0.05). Disking decreased the cover of grasses, litter, and standing dead vegetation and increased plant species richness and the cover of forbs and bare ground (P < 0.05). Arthropod abundance and dry biomass were greater on disked than undisked portions of fields (P < 0.05). Increases in the abundance and biomass of arthropods associated with changes in vegetation structure and composition likely improved habitat quality for a number of breeding bird species. Both burning and disking appear to be effective management options for maintaining or enhancing riparian grasslands for wildlife.     

Impact of the arundo wasp,Tetramesa romana (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), on biomass of the invasive weed,Arundo donax (Poaceae: Arundinoideae), and on revegetation of riparian habitat along the Rio Grande in Texas

An invasive grass, Arundo donax, occupies thousands of hectares of arid riparian habitat along the Rio Grande in Texas and Mexico, and has negative impacts on national security, water resources, and riparian ecosystems. The shoot-tip-galling wasp Tetramesa romana was released in 2009 between Brownsville and Del Rio, Texas, and has dispersed over 800?km along the river channel. Plots along the river were surveyed for shoot counts of arundo and all other plant species in 2016 at seven sites in regions in which prior studies had documented a 22% decline in arundo biomass (estimated from live shoot length) from 2007 to 2014. Estimated live biomass declined a further 32% between 2014 and 2016. Native plants accounted for 86% of the 44 species encountered in plots. Individual plots averaged five plant species, and arundo was most abundant in only 9 of 21 plots. Arundo live biomass and shoot density were negatively associated with plant diversity, indicating that live arundo interferes with germination and/or survival of other plant species. The proportion of dead shoots in plots, proportion of wasp-galled shoots, and density of exit holes made by emerging adult wasps per metre live main shoot length were positively associated with plant diversity in a combined model. Regressions indicated that the effects of wasp damage measures on diversity were mediated through their effects on main shoot mortality. By reducing live arundo biomass, the arundo wasp is fostering recovery of native plant communities at riparian sites along the Rio Grande.