Effects of competition and mowing on growth and reproduction of the invasive plant Erigeron annuus at two contrasting altitudes

Abstract

Invasive plants are often abundant at frequently disturbed sites such as roadsides, because they benefit from reduced competition or increased nutrient availability. In Switzerland, roadsides are subjected to regular mowing, and to persist in these sites, plants must be able to compensate for the biomass removal. However, the ability to tolerate competition and mowing might decline under less favourable growth conditions, such as those at higher altitudes. I investigated how competition and mowing affect growth and reproduction of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., an invasive plant common on Swiss roadsides, and how these effects change with altitude. The experiment was replicated in common gardens at altitudes of 400 m and 1,000 m asl, representing growth conditions in the main distribution area of E. annuus and at its altitudinal limit, respectively. Vegetative growth was negatively affected by competition at both sites, but especially at 1,000 m. The number of capitula was not affected by competition at 400 m, but was reduced at 1,000 m. Plants regrew vigorously after mowing in both gardens. The effects of mowing on reproductive output were positive at 400 m, but negative at 1,000 m. These results imply that E. annuus is able to tolerate competition and mowing at low altitudes, but both of these factors hinder its reproduction at higher altitudes.