Abstract
Few studies have examined zooplankton assemblages associated with grey willow (Salix cinerea) invasions in wetlands. Our aim was to quantitatively examine zooplankton composition among S. cinerea stands within the South Taupō Wetland, New Zealand, to determine whether these assemblages are affected by willow growth and willow control treatment using the herbicide metsulfuron (C14H15N5O6S). Alternatively, we examined whether wetland hydrology had an over-riding influence. Sampling was performed on three occasions (late-summer, mid-winter, and early-summer). Using Multidimensional Scaling and ANOSIM, we found no significant differences in zooplankton composition or environmental variables among native vegetation, live and dead S. cinerea sites, except for a difference in willow canopy density between late summer and winter. However, zooplankton composition differed on either side of a sand bar, suggesting areas separated by this barrier functioned independently. Overall, we found zooplankton communities to be regulated more by wetland hydrology than by willow presence. A limited willow effect was possibly due to the wetland being at an early stage of invasion, representing stand-alone individuals, with a continuous canopy not yet having formed. Alternatively, willows have lesser effects on invertebrates in wetlands than in streams. Ground control treatment of S. cinerea using metsulfuron had no apparent impact.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.