Abstract
AbstractStrong competitive ability of introduced plant species has been frequently stated as a key factor promoting successful invasion. The dynamics of invasive species may depend on their abilities to compete for resources and exploit disturbances relative to native species. This study compares the growth performance of the invasive blackberry (Rubus niveusThunb.) with four of the most common woody native species of the Scalesia forest in the Galapagos Islands. Using a series of greenhouse and field studies, the growth rate and biomass production of native species alone and in competition withR. niveuswas compared under different water and light stress conditions.Rubus niveusshowed a faster growth rate and biomass production than the native species as well as a broad tolerance to light and water stress conditions. Competitive ability was also assessed by looking at the seedbank and regeneration processes after herbicide control in the field. Although the number ofR. niveusseedlings that germinated from the soil samples was considerably larger than that of native species, recruitment of the invasive on the experimental plots was limited. Overall,R. niveusshowed superior competitive ability over native species with comparable growth forms, suggesting a possible mechanism that enablesR. niveusto successfully invade a wide range of habitats in the Galapagos Islands. Implementing an integrated management strategy including biological control, seedbank reduction, and active revegetation, should improve the efficiency ofR. niveusmanagement, enabling the restoration of degraded vegetation in the Galapagos.
Highlights
Establishment and impacts of invasive species depend on their biological attributes, their biotic interactions with the native community, and the environmental characteristics of the invaded ecosystem (Keane and Crawley 2002; Lloret et al 2005; Pysek et al 1995)
Studies have generally found that invasive plant species have higher relative growth rates, greater leaf-area ratios, and maximal photosynthetic rates compared with natives plant species (Grotkopp et al 2002; McDowell 2002)
This study provides evidence of the need of two management actions in addition to chemical control of adult plants to allow native Scalesia forest to recuperate
Summary
Establishment and impacts of invasive species depend on their biological attributes, their biotic interactions with the native community, and the environmental characteristics of the invaded ecosystem (Keane and Crawley 2002; Lloret et al 2005; Pysek et al 1995). A possible mechanism that may enable R. niveus and other invasive species to successfully invade and persist in a wide range of habitats is superior competitive ability over native species as measured by its rapid growth, early maturity, large quantities of seeds and fruit, effective seed dispersal, vegetative reproduction, and generation of dense shade (Atkinson et al 2008; Bellingham et al 2004; Landázuri 2002; Rejmánek and Richardson 1996).
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