Effects of shading and site conditions on vegetative and generative growth of a native grassland invader

Abstract

Changes in grassland management lead to alterations in community structure and can facilitate rapid expansion of both non-native and native invaders. Light availability differs greatly depending on grassland density, and competition for light is an important component of species dynamics. In this study, we examined if light reduction is an effective method to suppress a native invader in pre-alpine meadows of low to moderate land-use intensity. Our study focused on the effects of shading and other site conditions on vegetative and generative growth of Jacobaea aquatica, a poisonous hemicryptophyte regionally spreading in C Europe. We hypothesized that negative shade effects occur in addition to suppression by high grassland productivity, moist climate and less intense management. Furthermore, we postulated that shading affects vegetative growth more than reproduction. To understand the effects of shading we conducted a greenhouse experiment with plants grown under different shading nets. These results were compared to data gathered from 20 field sites that represented a distinct gradient in grassland management and shading. Overall, performance of generative J. aquatica plants was reduced by shading in the greenhouse, while density of vegetative plants was reduced in the field. In the greenhouse, plants affected by shading had significantly fewer flower heads and slightly smaller rosettes. Under field conditions, shading effects occurred together with additional environmental factors, while density of vegetative plants was significantly reduced by shading. Our data show that while realising high shading effects in the field is hard to accomplish, light reduction still has an influence on plant performance and population density, and could therefore be used to suppress the invasive native J. aquatica. In low to moderate intensity grasslands, suppression can be achieved by delaying the first mowing, thus enhancing shading. We conclude that manipulating environmental filters to increase resource competition is recommended as an alternative management tool to control the abundance of invasive native plants in grassland.