Rubbish dumps as invasive plant epicentres

It is widely known that disturbed areas favour plant species invasion. However, the presence and impacts of introduced plants at rubbish dumps and landfills are less clear. We conducted a literature review to evaluate current knowledge on introduced plants species at these sites to assess their potential role as invasion epicentres. Most of the studies we found (91%) were observational and only described plant species presence in multiple landscapes, including rubbish dumps or landfills. A minority of studies (<?20%) specifically focused on plant species at these sites but did not evaluate their potential as invasion epicentres. The 215 introduced plant species belonging to 57 families recorded at rubbish dumps or landfills underestimates true numbers given that most studies do not report the full list of species. Most species are invasive (>?95%) and included in the Global Invasive Species Database or the DAISIE list. One species, Arundo donax, is among the 100 worst invasive species in the world and eight more are listed among the 100 worst invasive species in Europe. Invasive species present at these sites may alter fire regimens, produce toxic and allergen effects, outcompete native species, act as agricultural pests, and lead to economic losses. Our results are a first step to include rubbish dumps and landfills in the agenda of ecologists and managers that study invasive species, especially since compost from these sites are now being used in agricultural practices, thus possibly spreading invasive species propagules to distant locations.     

Propagule quality mediates invasive plant establishment

Propagule pressure is commonly considered a primary driver of invasive plant establishment and spread. However, the physical size or condition (i.e., quality) of propagules may also affect establishment, particularly under unfavorable habitat conditions such as low light environments. We used an outdoor mesocosm experiment to test the relative contribution of propagule size (number of individuals introduced) and quality (number of rhizome nodes) to the establishment and performance of the highly invasive cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) under experimental sun and shade treatments. We found that the introduction of higher quality propagules (rhizome segments ≥3 nodes in length) significantly enhanced establishment across both light treatments, and increased final tiller count in the sun treatment. The sun treatment also enhanced rhizome growth, an effect that could increase spread rates and invasion success. Thus, while cogongrass is likely to establish in both sun and shade, introductions of large propagule sizes or large rhizomes in high light environments likely poses the greatest threat to native habitats. Our results demonstrate that propagule quality promoted both establishment and performance of a highly invasive grass species and suggest that propagule quality may play an important but underappreciated role in the invasion process.     

Reduced competitive ability in an invasive plant

One explanation for successful plant invaders is that they evolved to be more competitive. An intuitive prediction of this Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) hypothesis never previously tested is that invasive populations should outcompete their native ‘ancestors’ in a common environment. We tested this idea in a diallel competition experiment with Alliaria petiolata where offspring from native and invasive populations were grown alone or in all pairwise combinations. While without competition, there were no differences between native and invasive populations, native populations outperformed invasive ones when competing against each other. Our results contradict the EICA hypothesis and we conclude that it does not not hold for Alliaria petiolata. Instead, we formulate a new ERCA (Evolutionary Reduced Competitive Ability) hypothesis: if there is less competition in the invasive range and competitive ability involves traits that have a fitness cost, then selection might act against it, thereby reducing intraspecific interactions too.     

入侵植物五爪金龙生物学特性研究

通过栽培实验,观察入侵植物五爪金龙的形态学特征,测定两个不同生长期的生物量、根茎长度等指标,对实验数据进行统计分析,从几个方面研究五爪金龙的生物学特性。结果表明:生长期为6个月的五爪金龙生物量与生长期为3个月的五爪金龙生物量相比,根、茎、叶分别增长了2~5倍;平均含水量在7.41%~82.99%之间,两者无显著差异;两者之间的根冠比存在显著差异,但是跟其他草本植物相比,其根冠比相对较小;不同生长期的平均根长度分别为57cm、87cm,平均茎长度分别为319cm、714cm,两者之间的根茎比存在极显著差异。研究结果为进一步研究五爪金龙的入侵机制和控制五爪金龙的对策提供科学的理论依据。     

Polyploidy in invasive plant species of Singapore

Singapore is a recognized global hotspot for invasive species and many introduced plant species have become major weeds there. Some of the common invasive taxa, such as Asystasia gangetica ssp. micrantha , Mimosa pigra , Neptunia plena , Panicum maximum , and Urochloa mutica , are spread over large areas and dominate the indigenous flora in some habitats. In a study aimed at understanding the relationship between polyploidy and invasiveness, we show that all the investigated invasive taxa are polyploids. A. gangetica ssp. micrantha , N. plena , and P. maximum vary in chromosome number and ploidy level across the world, but we recorded only one chromosome count for each of these species in Singapore. Similarly, the cytology of M. pigra and U. mutica also revealed that these species are polyploid, each with only one chromosome number across all populations. The results indicate that one polyploid line in each of these species has been selected favourably and has become invasive. We also show that all the species exhibit normal male meiosis and possess high percentages of pollen fertility. Based on the present study and an analysis of previously reported ploidy levels, we suggest that these taxa are probably of allopolyploid origin. We conclude that polyploidy and an effective reproductive system are a perfect mix for successful invasion by these species in Singapore.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 395–403.     

入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花与乡土植物芦苇的相互化感作用

以加拿大一枝黄花和芦苇的共优群落和各自单优群落的种子为化感受体,分析其分别在加拿大一枝黄花和芦苇5个浓度梯度(12.5、25、50、100和200mg·mL-1)浸提液处理下的发芽率和芽长差异,研究2种植物的相互化感作用规律.结果表明:2种植物在共优群落中的千粒重和蒸馏水培养下的发芽率均比单优群落大.加拿大一枝黄花的浸提液对自身种子发芽率在单优和共优群落中均具有在低浓度下(12.5、25 mg·mL-1)轻微促进、中高浓度下(50、100和200mg·mL-1)强烈抑制的作用,其中对共优群落种子的抑制作用尤为显著;而芦苇浸提液对加拿大一枝黄花种子的影响无明显规律.加拿大一枝黄花的种子芽长在单优和共优群落中均随自身浸提液浓度的升高趋于减小,随芦苇浸提液浓度的升高呈波动减小趋势.在芦苇和加拿大一枝黄花浸提液处理下,芦苇种子发芽率在单优群落中均显著大于共优群落(P＜0.05),但2种浸提液处理间无显著差异.     

乡土植物芦苇对外来入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花的抑制作用

在城市建筑荒地中设立实验样地,通过对样方植物进行实地观测,并结合实验室比叶重和生物量测算,了解和分析野外建筑荒地中自然混生条件下芦苇(Phragmites communis)和加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis)的竞争过程和结果。结果表明芦苇和加拿大一枝黄花混生群落中芦苇发展近似于单优群落,芦苇以较高的平均株高和密度抑制加拿大一枝黄花生长,混生群落逐渐趋向于芦苇单优群落。混生群落芦苇比叶重和平均每株生物量近似于单优群落,加拿大一枝黄花比叶重和平均每株生物量显著低于其单优群落,光合作用受到显著抑制。de Wit模型分析显示,混生群落中芦苇和加拿大一枝黄花相互竞争、拮抗,前者竞争攻击力高于后者,模型预测混生群落中芦苇最终将把加拿大一枝黄花从样地中排除出去。浸提液种子培养显示加拿大一枝黄花具有化感作用,在低浓度条件(12.5mg/mL)下,对自生种子发芽有促进作用,高浓度条件下出现强烈抑制,但各浓度下芦苇种子不受加拿大一枝黄花化感作用影响;芦苇种子繁殖能力相对较弱,混生样地中加拿大一枝黄花在芦苇竞争胁迫下,种子千粒重和发芽率显著上升,扩散能力增强。芦苇具有在一定区域生态控制加拿大一枝黄花的潜力。     

Allelopathic interactions between invasive plant Solidago canadensis and native plant Phragmites australis

Taking the seeds of invasive plant Solidago canadensis and native plant Phragmites australis from their mono- and co-dominant communities as allelopathic acceptors, this paper analyzed the differences in the seed germination rate and sprout length after treated with five level (12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg x mL(-1)) S. canadensis and P. australis extracts, aimed to understand the allelopathic interactions between the two species. The 1000-grain weight and seed germination rate under distilled water treatment of the two species in co-dominated community were greater than those in mono-dominant community. Low level (12.5 and 25 mg x mL(-1)) S. canadensi extracts slightly promoted the seed germination rates of S. canadensis in both mono- and co-dominant communities, but high level (50, 100, and 200 mg x mL(-1)) S. canadensi extracts had strong inhibition effect, especially for the S. canadensis in co-dominated community. No significant patterns were observed about the effects of P. australis extract on S. canadensis seed germination. The sprout length of S. canadensis seeds in both mono- and co-dominant communities decreased with increasing level of S. canadensis extract, but decreased in a fluctuation way with increasing level of P. australis extract. After treated with the extracts of P. australis or S. canadensis, the seed germination rate of P. australis in mono-dominant community was significantly greater than that in co-dominant community (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between these two extracts.     

Contrasting effects of an invasive ant on a native and an invasive plant

When invasive species establish in new environments, they may disrupt existing or create new interactions with resident species. Understanding of the functioning of invaded ecosystems will benefit from careful investigation of resulting species-level interactions. We manipulated ant visitation to compare how invasive ant mutualisms affect two common plants, one native and one invasive, on a sub-tropical Indian Ocean island. Technomyrmex albipes, an introduced species, was the most common and abundant ant visitor to the plants. T. albipes were attracted to extrafloral nectaries on the invasive tree (Leucaena leucocephala) and deterred the plant’s primary herbivore, the Leucaena psyllid (Heteropsylla cubana). Ant exclusion from L. leucocephala resulted in decreased plant growth and seed production by 22% and 35%, respectively. In contrast, on the native shrub (Scaevola taccada), T. albipes frequently tended sap-sucking hemipterans, and ant exclusion resulted in 30% and 23% increases in growth and fruit production, respectively. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the more predacious and herbivorous diets of T. albipes on the invasive and native plants, respectively. Thus the ants’ interactions protect the invasive plant from its main herbivore while also exacerbating the effects of herbivores on the native plant. Ultimately, the negative effects on the native plant and positive effects on the invasive plant may work in concert to facilitate invasion by the invasive plant. Our findings underscore the importance of investigating facilitative interactions in a community context and the multiple and diverse interactions shaping novel ecosystems.     

入侵植物美洲商陆的传粉生态学特性

从开花物候、花朵数量性状、花粉活力、花粉组织化学、柱头可授性、花粉在柱头上的萌发状况、杂交指数、花粉胚珠比、传粉媒介以及繁育系统等方面,研究了外来入侵植物美洲商陆(Phytolacca americana)的传粉生态学特性,为揭示该物种成功入侵的机理提供依据.结果表明:美洲商陆种群花期可达45~70 d,单花花期为2~3d,可进一步分为杯状花期、花瓣平展期、花瓣下垂期、花瓣反卷期;花冠直径在下垂期最大且不超过1 cm,花药与柱头间距离在1 ~2.5 mm,有利于自交的发生;花瓣平展期与花瓣下垂期花粉活力差异显著(P<0.05),杯状花期与花瓣平展期花粉活力差异不显著(P>0.05),花瓣平展期花粉活力可达85%;雌蕊柱头可授性在花瓣平展期最强;杯状花期合生柱头开裂,花瓣平展期柱头9~ 10裂,接受花粉的表面积增大;花药散粉时间与合生柱头开裂时间相吻合,有助于柱头接受花粉;扫描电镜下观察到花粉在花瓣平展期的柱头上已萌发;每朵花可提供1667~3222粒花粉,胚珠9~10个,花粉胚珠比(P/O)为340.88±34.99,表现为兼性自交;美洲商陆杂交指数(OCI)为3,花粉粒属于含脂型,主要传粉昆虫有蜜蜂、胡蜂、食蚜蝇、细腰蜂.综上所述,美洲商陆自交亲和,花粉活力高、柱头可授性强,且高花粉活力与强柱头可授性出现在相同的时期,增加了花粉落置柱头及在柱头上萌发的几率;虫媒花,访花者行为与花朵相适应,有利于提高坐果率,这样的繁殖机制与传粉特点是美洲商陆成功入侵的主要因素之一.     

Reproductive biology in an invasive plant Solidago canadensis

Solidago canadensis,a perennial Compositae plant originating from North America,was introduced into China as a horticultural plant in 1935.Under natural conditions,S.canadensis allocates large amounts of energy to sexual reproduction and produces many seeds,which reflects an r-strategy with high seed number and small seed size.In addition,naturalized populations have a great capacity to grow clonally with underground stems.S.canadensis has become an invasive weed in eastern China,and has caused serious damages to agricultural production and ecosystems in several provinces in China.In order to understand the reproductive characteristics of S.canadensis and effectively control its spread,we examined soil conditions,seed characteristics,seed germination and the capacity for asexual reproduction in different plant parts.We investigated the population dispersion of S.canadensis in fixed sites for three years,and analyzed the seasonal dynamics of the morphological parameters of the underground parts and the caloric values of different organs of S.canadensis.We also compared differences in the root systems of S.canadensis and composite exotic weeds.The following results were obtained:1)Under natural conditions,the germination season of S.canadensis lasts from March to October,with a peak from April to May.Vegetative growth and asexual reproduction are especially vigorous during summer due to high temperatures and soil drought stress.On the other hand,the rainy season proves suitable for seed germination.Most S.canadensis flower between September and January,and fruit in late October.A mature plant can produce about 20000 seeds.The mean weight of 1000 seeds ranges from 0.045 g to 0.050 g,and the mean seed moisture content ranges from 60% to 80%.The light-winged seeds disperse readily by air,water,vehicles,human activity or through livestock.2)S.canadensis seeds have a wide tolerance for different values of pH,salinity and soil moisture.The mean percent germination of seeds is 30% under suitable conditions.The results of seed germination under various environmental stresses and investigation of soil conditions indicate that well-aerated,slightly acidic soils with low salinity are suitable for the growth of S.canadensis.Additionally,S.canadensis has a high tolerance for contamination by heavy metal elements including Zn,Cu and Pb,but has low accumulation coefficients for these elements.3)S.canadensis reproduces asexually via underground rhizomes and nodes on the stem base to recruit new individuals,and in plants that experience mechanical damage,this reproductive strategy is used to produce clonal shoots.The capacity for asexual reproduction among different plant parts rank as follows:underground parts＞stem-base (20 cm)＞stem-base (30 cm)＞stem-base (45 cm)＞stem.Further,with increasing mechanical damage,the quantity of shoots produced by the plant decreases.4)The morphological parameters of the root system of S.canadensis including length,surface area,volume,and average diameter are greater than for composite exotic weeds.These parameters indicate that S.canadensis has the physiological potential to widely invade China.5)The aboveground growth rate and most of the underground morphological parameters vary remarkably among the seasons,with a peak normally occurring in September.In August,a fraction of the energy in leaves and stems is allocated underground to increase fine root growth and water uptake during hot weather.Additionally,the seasonal dynamics of the underground morphological parameters and the caloric values of different organs of S.canadensis enhance its reproductive ability.Based on the results above,we conclude that S.canadensis has great invasive potential in China.We suggest that urgent measures should be taken to control its further spread,and to minimize its impact on local plant diversity.     

外来入侵植物牛膝菊种群构件生物量结构

牛膝菊原产南美洲,为沈阳地区爆发式入侵种．本文从构件水平研究了牛膝菊种群各构件生物量结构特征和各构件生物量间的关系模型,并进行了定量分析．结果表明,牛膝菊种群各构件生物量之间关系为茎〉叶〉花序〉根．各构件生物量在个体生物量中所占比率表现为茎〉叶〉根〉花序．牛膝菊种群茎生物量和叶生物量与植株高度、根生物量、花序生物量之间都呈显著的正相关关系,均可用幂函数模型较好地表达．     

外来入侵植物牛膝菊种群构件生物量结构

牛膝菊原产南美洲,为沈阳地区爆发式入侵种.本文从构件水平研究了牛膝菊种群各构件生物量结构特征和各构件生物量间的关系模型,并进行了定量分析.结果表明,牛膝菊种群各构件生物量之间关系为茎＞叶＞花序＞根.各构件生物量在个体生物量中所占比率表现为茎＞叶＞根＞花序.牛膝菊种群茎生物量和叶生物量与植株高度、根生物量、花序生物量之间都呈显著的正相关关系,均可用幂函数模型较好地表达.     

Biomass structure of exotic invasive plant Galinsona parviflora

Galinsona parviflora (Asteraceae) is a wide-spread annual weed that is invasive,colonizing new ground where it is able to persist.We studied the bio-mass structure of the G.Parviflora population at the module level by using the methods of field plot invest-igation and weighing at 10 sample plots.Modular bio-mass was calculated and used for analysis of relation-ships between various modules.The results show that there was a positive correlation between plant height and modular biomass,between stem biomass and root biomass,stem biomass and capitulum biomass,above-ground biomass and underground biomass,and lastly,stem biomass and leaf biomass.The preferred model which measured all the relationships was a power func-tion model with absolute coefficients(R2) ranging from 0.6303 to 0.9782.     

Evolutionary changes in an invasive plant support the defensive role of plant volatiles

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The impact of an invasive plant changes over time

Many exotic plant invaders pose a serious threat to native communities, but little is known about the dynamics of their impacts over time. In this study, we explored the impact of an invasive plant Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) at 24 grassland sites invaded for different periods of time (from 11 to 48 years). Native species' richness and productivity were initially reduced by hogweed invasion but tended to recover after ~30 years of hogweed residence at the sites. Hogweed cover declined over the whole period assessed. A complementary common garden experiment suggested that the dynamics observed in the field were due to a negative plant–soil feedback; hogweed survival and biomass, and its competitive ability were lower when growing in soil inocula collected from earlier‐invaded grasslands. Our results provide evidence that the initial dominance of an invasive plant species and its negative impact can later be reversed by stabilising processes.     

入侵植物假苍耳对土壤中铜、铅重金属污染的富集特征

通过室内盆栽试验研究入侵植物假苍耳(Iva xanthifolia)在营养生长阶段对铜、铅的耐性及富集特征。实验结果表明,在1~16 mg·L^-1的添加铜处理及0.5~14 mg·L^-1的添加铅处理条件下,假苍耳对铜、铅两种单一金属均有很强的耐性及富集作用,重金属在植物体地上部和地下部的富集量分别为607.59、137.20,404.38、34.53 mg·kg^-1,对应的富集系数为11.39、4.18,转运系数4.43、11.71,且重金属在植物体内的分布规律均表现为：茎部＞叶片＞根部,地上部分的积累量远大于地下部分。对叶色、株高及生物量等特征的观察表明假苍耳的生长未受到抑制,符合超富集植物的基本特征。与一般超富集植物相比,假苍耳作为一种外来入侵植物,具有生长迅速、植物材料易得,生物量大且分布范围广的优点。