Growth and water relations in a central North Carolina population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microstegium vimineum</Emphasis> (Trin.) A. Camus |
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Authors: | Brant W Touchette Genevieve A Romanello |
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Institution: | (1) Center for Environmental Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, USA;(2) Ecology Program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA |
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Abstract: | The ability of an invasive plant to occupy new areas is often attributed to both morphological and physiological plasticities
that allow them to remain viable over a wide range of environmental conditions. Studies addressing the ecological requirements
of Microstegium vimineum often consider soil moisture or soil moisture along with other factors as important explanatory components for the establishment
and persistence of this invasive monocot. However, controlled studies specifically targeting water relations in M. vimineum are needed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how different water availabilities influence the growth
and physiological performance of M. vimineum. This study utilized experimental microcosms to achieve different water availabilities including low soil moisture (<15%
water), moderate soil moisture (ca. 20–30%), and flooded conditions. While both flooded and low soil moisture resulted in
diminished growth, M. vimineum still survived under these conditions. Physiological processes including C4 metabolism, minimum stress under low water conditions, and the ability to increase tissue rigidity may confer some advantages
to M. vimineum during periods of limiting water conditions. Similarly, the proportionally low root biomass, shallow root structure, and
its ability to maintain stable water relations during flooding and/or soil waterlogging may facilitate M. vimineum’s ability to invade mesic habitats. It is likely, therefore, that the capacity to tolerate both low soil moistures and flooded
conditions has enhanced the ability of M. vimineum to populate disturbed systems in central North Carolina. |
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