Abstract
In many parts of the Neotropics, deforested areas are often colonized by the highly competitive invasive bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), which inhabits naturally regenerated forests and successional forests on abandoned farmland. Within the tropical forest region of Chiapas in southern Mexico, we implemented an experiment in 2005 to out-compete bracken fern infestation and reduce or eliminate live bracken rhizomes using several treatments: Direct sowing of balsa seeds (Ochroma pyramidale; Malvaceae), a traditional Lacandon treatment of scattering balsa seeds, transplanting balsa seedlings, and a control treatment (without balsa). For each treatment, we applied three different bracken weeding frequencies: No weeding, biweekly weeding, and monthly weeding. In this study, we present data gathered four years after establishing the experiment regarding: Bracken fern rhizome biomass, balsa density, basal area, height, density, species richness of naturally regenerating vegetation for all treatments, and bracken weeding frequencies. We also evaluated the importance of balsa and its regenerative attributes in controlling bracken fern by correlating it with remaining belowground live rhizome biomass. Living rhizome biomass was completely eradicated in all treatments with biweekly and monthly weeding. Density and species richness of a naturally regenerated species were negatively correlated with bracken fern rhizome biomass, and the density of this species was highest in areas with no rhizome biomass. Although balsa tree stands are effective short-term solutions for controlling rhizome biomass, the success of natural regeneration following balsa establishment can be critical to long-term elimination of bracken fern.
Highlights
The impact of invasive species in ecosystems and agroecosystems varies significantly depending on the type of invasive species, the extent of the invasion, and the type of ecosystem in question as well as its level of vulnerability [1]
We found that different balsa planting methods (F3,384 = 34.92, p < 0.01), weeding (F2,384 = 594.55, p < 0.01), and the combination of planting method and weeding (F6,268 = 81.54, p < 0.01) reduced bracken rhizome biomass
All balsa attributes were significantly related to treatment, weeding frequency, and the interaction between treatment and weeding frequency, with the exception of balsa density and weeding frequency (Table 1)
Summary
The impact of invasive species in ecosystems and agroecosystems varies significantly depending on the type of invasive species, the extent of the invasion, and the type of ecosystem in question as well as its level of vulnerability [1]. In the past few decades, the presence of invasive species on a global level has increased due to the ease and accessibility of modern transportation, by which thousands of species have been moved to new habitats [2,3]. Invasive plants can include both native and non-native species and are characterized by being able to infiltrate and dominate native flora and managed areas They may pose a serious threat to native species richness, in addition to impacting ecosystem functioning and reducing agricultural productivity [6,7]. It is necessary to understand the ecological processes such as competition and natural succession in order to choose plants that may replace undesired species and assure the success of restoration efforts [8]
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