Genista Monspessulana Research Articles

Identification of Aceria genistae species complex (Acari: Eriophyidae) from broom, gorse and related plants (Fabaceae: Genisteae) in western US and a new record of Aculops hussongi

This paper reports on a collection of eriophyid mites from broom (Cytisus scoparius), gorse (Ulex europaeus), and related plants (Fabaceae: Genisteae) in the western USA, to clarify the taxonomic problems within the “Aceria genistae” complex on different hosts. The mites from U. europaeus and Genista monspessulana, which were previously identified as or suspected to be Aceria genistae, are herein confirmed as Aceria davidmansoni—previously known only from U. europaeus in New Zealand. The mites from Lupinus albicaulis (no galls), Lupinus densiflorus (with gall-like deformities although not true galls), Cytisus striatus and C. scoparius are confirmed as A. genistae (the first three species were used in host specificity tests for A. genistae from C. scoparius and only C. striatus is confirmed as a new host for A. genistae). Another unrelated species, Aculops hussongi Keifer, was found on L. albicaulis in Nisqually, Washington, USA.

Multi-generational impacts of the psyllid Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on growth and survival of the invasive weed Genista monspessulana

Pre-release efficacy assessments of biological control agents can identify species with the most potential to impact the target weed. Experiments typically occur within a single generation of the agent, however, and strong impacts on target weeds may take longer to emerge. This study examined the effects of the prospective agent Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on the invasive weed French broom, Genista monspessulana, over three generations of the psyllid (∼150days) under quarantine conditions. All of the psyllid-free control plants survived to the end of the experiment, whereas 23 out of 28 (82.1%) of the plants infested with psyllids died. Only three plants with psyllids died during the first psyllid generation; plant mortality rate peaked at the transition between the second and third psyllid generations. Plant growth was also reduced on plants with psyllids. Impacts on proportional increases in plant height and total stem length were evident by the end of the first psyllid generation, but effects on proportional change in leaf number were not apparent until the end of the third psyllid generation. By the end of the experiment, average proportional increases in height, total stem length and leaf number were 65.7%, 60.7% and 53.2% lower, respectively, on surviving psyllid-infested plants than controls. Final above-ground biomass of surviving psyllid-infested plants was 66.4% lower on average compared to the psyllid-free control plants. The results of this study highlight the need for pre-release efficacy assessments that allow effects on target weeds to develop over time.

No evolution of reduced resistance and compensation for psyllid herbivory by the invasive Genista monspessulana

The evolution of redirecting resources from plant defense to growth or reproduction may explain why some exotic species are successful invaders in new environments. For example, the evolution of increased competitive ability hypothesis posits that escape from herbivores by invasive plants results in the selection of more vigorous genotypes that reduce their allocation of resources to defense. In addition, understanding the defense strategy of an invasive plant may help forecast the likely impact of herbivory. We tested the prediction of reduced defense (i.e., resistance) in Genista monspessulana, measured indirectly as the performance of a specialist psyllid herbivore, by comparing five native and introduced plant populations. We also examined the ability of G. monspessulana to compensate for herbivory in the presence and the absence of psyllids for a single plant population from the native and introduced regions. Plant origin (native or introduced) did not influence the psyllid’s abundance and population growth rate, suggesting no change in resistance to herbivory for introduced plants. Similarly, we found no overall difference in plant performance between individuals in the presence and the absence of psyllid herbivory, suggesting that G. monspessulana was able to fully compensate for herbivory. Damaged plants compensated by changing the pattern of branching, which also resulted in greater dry leaf biomass. We conclude that evolution of reduced defenses does not explain the success of G. monspessulana as an invader and that compensation for herbivory may limit the efficacy of the psyllid as a biological control agent.

Fuel characteristics of the invasive shrub Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch

Some broom species have the ability to modify elements of the fire regime in invaded areas. One such species, Teline monspessulana (Syn. Genista monspessulana; French Broom), has expanded notoriously in south-central Chile’s Mediterranean climate. The biota of this area may be particularly vulnerable to effects of invasive species on the fire regime, as it is less adapted to wildfires. The properties of the fuel accumulated in T. monspessulana populations of different ages are characterised in this paper. For this, models were constructed to estimate fuel accumulation in T. monspessulana populations, and tests for flammability of foliage were also performed. The results show that the rapid growth of this invasive shrub ensures a significant accumulation of fuel (close to 90 ton ha–1) in periods shorter than a decade, which may influence the severity of wildfires. Further, the fuel has a significant accumulation of fine material and high flammability, both of which may facilitate the ignition of fires. The large volume and high flammability of the fuel accumulated in T. monspessulana populations can thus play an important role in changing the fire regime in areas where it has invaded.

Chemical characterization of plant material and in vitro-generated sprouts of Genista monspessulana

Genista monspessulana (known in Colombia as “retamo liso”) is considered an invasive plant in the Bogotá plateu. Genista genus is known for its high content of products with multi-pharmacological activity, e.g. antioxidant and phytoestrogenic, which has drawn attention for its potential use in preventive medicine. As part of our research on phenolic compounds, the present study shows the chemical characterization and radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of extracts from leaves, flowers, stems, pods and seeds of G. monspessulana as well as in vitro-germinated sprouts. Each extract was characterized by total phenolics and flavonoid contents and by UFLC-DAD analyses. The RSC was evaluated by using the DPPH assay. Total contents of phenolics and flavonoids showed values between 50 – 500 mg GAE/g dry extract and 8 – 14 mg QE/g dry extract, respectively. RSC values (IC50 in µg/mL) were found to be between 4 and 40 µg/mL range. The pod-derived extract was found to be the most potent scavenger. In addition, the in vitro cultures in order to germinate G. monspessulana seeds were carried out in MS medium supplemented with indole acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin at three different concentrations with the aim to observe the promoter-induced chemical variability. The in vitro seed germination percentage exposed to IAA was larger than that of kinetin (45% at second week). Resulting sprouts were extracted with ethanol, and the crude extracts were analyzed by UFLC-DAD. These profiles showed some differences, including distinctive compounds. The multivariate analysis (as PCA-derived score plots) performed on chromatographic data indicated that extracts exhibit characteristic metabolic profiles associated with each part and/or promoter, which provide the basis for future studies on bioproduction and isolation of phenolics from this plant.

Prediction of the geographic distribution of the psyllid, Arytinnis hakani (Homoptera: Psyllidae), a prospective biological control agent of Genista monspessulana, based on the effect of temperature on development, fecundity, and survival.

The psyllid, Arytinnis hakani (Loginova), is a prospective biological control agent of Genista monspessulana (French broom), an invasive shrub originating from western Europe. It is a multivoltine species that is not known to diapause. The insect is established in Australia, where it appears to cause heavy defoliation and mortality of the target weed, except at warm sunny sites. This suggests that bright light or high temperatures may hamper the agent. We measured the effect of temperature on development rate, survival, and fecundity of the psyllid to determine its suitable temperature range. Intrinsic rate of increase was highest near 22°C, and there was no population growth at the extremes of 5°C and 26°C. Net reproductive rate was highest at 16.5°C. Fecundity was highest at 22°C, and decreased to half at 16°C and at 27°C. Adult female longevity decreased with increasing temperature over the range studied. Nymphal survivorship was highest at 16°C and dropped to 0% at 5°C and 26°C. Eggs were able to complete development in 83 d at 5°C, but with only 20% survivorship versus 78-95% survivorship at higher temperatures. For populations with a stable age distribution, only 2-3% of the population is in the adult stage. Climate modeling using CLIMEX indicated that the geographic distribution of the psyllid is constrained by high temperature stress in Australia. The psyllid is predicted to be suitable in coastal California but not in the Sierra foothills.

Prerelease efficacy test of the psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, a prospective biological control agent of the invasive weed Genista monspessulana

In weed biological control, conducting a prerelease efficacy test can help ascertain if prospective biological control agents will be capable of controlling the target plant. Currently, the phloem-feeding psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, is being evaluated as a prospective agent for the exotic invasive weed, Genista monspessulana, in the USA. Small potted plants were exposed to 0, 4, 8, 12 or 16 A. hakani second-instar nymphs which were allowed to develop on the plants for six weeks in an incubator at 18°C. Increasing A. hakani densities had a significant negative impact on the number of leaflets grown, per cent change in plant height and the final number of leaflets per centimeter of plant height. Increase in plant height and the number of leaflets relative to uninfested plants were reduced by 16 and 29%, respectively, at the highest infestation levels. Psyllids did not increase leaf senescence. One of the 10 plants that was exposed to 16 psyllids died, whereas none of the others died. Weekly nymphal mortality was 10–18% at the lowest density (four psyllids), but was at least 40% at the three highest densities. Although dead nymphs were replaced weekly, insect mortality may have reduced impact on the plants, especially at the higher densities. This insect is multivoltine, so prolongation of the infestation period may have a greater impact on the plant.

Resident spiders as predators of the recently introduced light brown apple moth,Epiphyas postvittana

AbstractThe invasive light brown apple moth,Epiphyas postvittana(Walker) (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae), has not reached damaging levels on crops inCalifornia (USA), suggesting that its populations and impact are limited by generalist natural enemies. In a series of laboratory experiments, we examined resident spiders as predators ofE. postvittanalarvae on two host plants, the ornamentalAustralian tea tree,Leptospermum laevigatum(Gaertn.)F.Muell (Myrtaceae), and the weedFrench broom,Genista monspessulana(L.) L.A.S.Johnson (Fabaceae). Of three abundant spider species inAustralian tea tree, two hunting spiders measurably reduced the numbers ofE. postvittanalarvae and plant damage, whereas a web‐weaving spider had no detectable impact. The adult stage of the dominant hunting spiderAnyphaena apertaBanks (Anyphaenidae) consumedE. postvittanalarvae, but neither large nor small juveniles had statistically detectable effects on numbers of larvae. However, plant damage was reduced in the presence of large juvenileA. aperta, suggesting thatA. apertamay also have non‐consumptive effects on the feeding behavior ofE. postvittanalarvae.Anyphaena apertaconsumed larvae only when larval densities exceeded a low threshold in a functional response experiment, leading to a typeIIIfunctional response. AdultA. apertashowed no preference for differentE. postvittanainstars, whereasCheiracanthium mildeiL.Koch (Miturgidae), an abundant hunting spider onFrench broom, showed a partial preference for late‐instar larvae. The generalist feeding habits of the spiders may have precluded strong prey preferences. Results show that hunting spiders may help limitE. postvittanapopulations inCalifornia, and that they may in turn reduce the impact ofE. postvittanaon its host plants.

Neuroactive alkaloids that modulate the neuronal nicotinic receptor and provide neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's disease model: the case of Teline monspessulana.

Neuroactive alkaloids that modulate the neuronal nicotinic receptor and provide neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's disease model: the case of Teline monspessulana.

Inferring the complex origins of horticultural invasives: French broom in California

Investigating the origins of invasive populations provides insight into the evolutionary and anthropogenic factors underlying invasions, and can inform management decisions. Invasive species introduced for horticultural purposes often have complex origins typified by multiple introductions of species, cultivars, and genotypes, and interspecific and intraspecific hybridizations in introduced ranges. Such complex introduction histories may result in complex genetic signatures in the invaded range, making inferences about origins difficult, particularly when all putative sources cannot be sampled. In this study, we inferred the origins of the invasive French broom complex in California using 12 nuclear microsatellite markers. We characterized the genetic diversity and population structure of invasive and horticultural brooms in their invaded range in California and of Genista monspessulana in its native Mediterranean range. Overall, no significant differences in allelic richness, observed heterozygosity, inbreeding, or genetic structure were observed between the invaded and native ranges, but differences existed among populations within ranges. Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis revealed three genetic clusters in the French broom complex. Nearly all native G. monspessulana assigned highly to a single cluster. Many invasives assigned to a second cluster that contained Genista canariensis, Genista stenopetala, and ornamental sweet broom, and the remaining invasives assigned to a third cluster that also contained some G. monspessulana individuals from Sardinia and Corsica. Admixture between the second and third clusters was detected. Approximate Bayesian Computation analysis of six alternative scenarios supported the hypothesis that some invasive French broom is derived from an unsampled population branching from ornamental sweet broom. A combination of factors, including multiple introductions, escapes from cultivation, and inter-taxon hybridization, likely contribute to the invasive success of French broom in California and may have important implications for management, in particular biological control.

French broom (Teline monspessulana) invasion in south-central Chile depends on factors operating at different spatial scales

The interaction between plant attributes, environmental factors and the history of human intervention determines which species show a more invasive behavior and which areas are more likely to be invaded. Identifying which factors favor the invasion and which constraint it, remains an essential goal for understanding the process of invasion and to provide a stronger scientific basis for designing management actions to reduce susceptibility to invasion. In this paper we analyze the relative role of different environmental factors in plant invasion, in particular the comparison between human versus climatic and biotic variables at different spatial scales. Furthermore, we show how these factors interact to influence the distribution and abundance of an invasive plant. We have built mixed models to explain the presence and abundance of a renowned invasive species in the south-central area of Chile, Teline monspessulana (French broom, Fabaceae). We recorded the presence and cover of this invasive shrub in a series of transects along the main roads of the study area. For each transect we recorded variables at different spatial scales related to climate and land use. We found that the presence and cover of T. monspessulana are strongly related to proximity to roads, urban areas and locations with higher rainfall. Although this shrub is present in most of the landscape, it is most abundant in shrublands and forest plantations. In a complex human-dominated landscape matrix, shrublands and forest plantations act as a source of propagules from which new areas can be invaded. Interestingly, the presence of this species can be better predicted by combining predictors taken at two hierarchical levels, the so-called transect and plot scales, whereas the species abundance only depends on factors at the plot level. The presence and abundance of this species is highly dependent on human disturbance, and the occurrence of certain landscape elements closely linked to land management is critical to the performance of this species. Maintaining a dense tree canopy cover and reducing the use of fire could help reduce the rate of expansion of this species across the landscape.

Montpellier broom (Genista monspessulana) and Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) in South Africa: An assessment of invasiveness and options for management

The legumes (Fabaceae) Genista monspessulana and Spartium junceum are major invaders in several other parts of the world, but not yet so in South Africa. We determine their current distributions in South Africa at different spatial scales, assess population structure (soil seed banks and size at reproduction) evaluate current management activities, and provide recommendations for control (including assessing the feasibility of nation-wide eradication). G. monspessulana occurs at nine localities in three quarter-degree cells, covering a total of 22.7ha. S. junceum is much more widespread, occurring in 33 quarter-degree cells and is frequently cultivated in private gardens. All naturalised or invasive populations are in disturbed areas, mostly along roadsides. Once established, G. monspessulana and S. junceum accumulate large, persistent soil-stored seed banks, ranging in size between 909 and 22,727 (median 1970)seeds/m2 and 0 and 21,364 (median 455)seeds/m2 for the two species respectively. Both species resprout vigorously after cutting and stump herbicide application (60% of G. monspessulana and 43% of S. junceum plants resprouted) which necessitates regular follow-ups. We estimate that over 10years, at a cost of about ZAR 81,000 (1 ZAR=0.114 US$ as on 6 October 2012), G. monspessulana could be extirpated from South Africa. S. junceum is far more widespread and coupled with low effectiveness of control, abundance of seeds and seed longevity, eradication is unfeasible. We recommend that control methods used for S. junceum be improved to prevent resprouting, and that areas are managed to limit the movement of seeds and avoid further spread and establishment. Further studies are required to understand why these two species have failed to replicate the invasiveness shown in other parts of the world.

Light Brown Apple Moth in California: A Diversity of Host Plants and Indigenous Parasitoids

The light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker), an Australia native tortricid, was found in California in 2006. A field survey of host plants used by E. postvittana was conducted in an urban region of the San Francisco Bay Area. An inspection of 152 plant species (66 families), within a 23-ha residential community, found E. postvittana on 75 species (36 families). Most (69 species) host plants were not Australian natives, but had a wide geographic origin; 34 species were new host records for E. postvittana. Heavily infested species were the ornamental shrubs Myrtus communis L., Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) W.T. Aiton, Euonymus japonicus Thunb., and Sollya heterophylla Lindl. To survey for parasitoids, four urban locations were sampled, with E. postvittana collected from five commonly infested plants [M. communis, P. tobira, E. japonicus, Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson]. Twelve primary parasitoid species and two hyperparasitoids were reared; the most common were the egg parasitoid Trichogramma fasciatum (Perkins), the larval parasitoids Meteorus ictericus Nees, and Enytus eureka (Ashmead), and the pupal parasitoid Pediobius ni Peck. Meteorus ictericus accounted for >80% of the larval parasitoids, and was recovered from larvae collected on 39 plant species. Across all samples, mean parasitism was 84.4% for eggs, 43.6% for larvae, and 57.5% for pupae. The results are discussed with respect to the potential for resident parasitoid species to suppress E. postvittana populations.

Estructura poblacional de Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch en fragmentos de bosque maulino en Chile central

In this note we examine the population structure of Teline monspessulana, an exotic plant that is invading fragments of the Maulino Forest. We evaluate density T. monspessulana, sizes, proportion of reproductive individuals and his relation with the size of the patches in 8 forest fragments. Our results indicate a high proportion of individuals growing inside fragments. Moreover, the fragment size is not correlated with T. monspessulana density.

A molecular phylogenetic analysis of invasive and ornamental brooms and their relationships within the Genistoid legumes

The Cytisus–Genista complex includes species that have become invasive following introduction into new geographic ranges as ornamental shrubs. Despite their impacts, the evolutionary relationships among invasives, ornamentals, and native-range species have never been investigated. Our objective was to examine relationships within the Cytisus–Genista complex to determine (1) the taxonomic identity of invasive “French broom” and ornamental “sweet broom” and (2) whether “sweet broom” contributes to “French broom” populations directly or via hybridization. We used sequence data from chloroplast and nuclear regions to gain insight into evolutionary origins and to confirm taxonomic status. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest a complex evolutionary history that includes hybridization events. Placement of invasive and ornamental individuals within the Cytisus–Genista complex resolves taxonomic uncertainty in these groups, as our phylogenetic analyses recovered separate “French broom” and “sweet broom” clades within the G. monspessulana clade in the genus Genista. Extensive cloning and sequencing of the ITS region revealed that, although the majority of invasive “French broom” in California is Genista monspessulana, hybridization with individuals from the ornamental “sweet broom” clade likely occurs in populations throughout the state.

No evidence for increased performance of a specialist psyllid on invasive French broom

Some invasive plants perform better in their area of introduction than in their native region. This may be a consequence of rapid evolutionary change due to different selection pressures encountered in introduced regions. The Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability hypothesis (EICA) suggests that release from natural enemies results in selection of more vigorous plant genotypes as a result of plants allocating resources away from costly herbivore-resistance traits and toward increased growth. We tested the prediction that introduced plant genotypes of Genista monspessulana (Fabaceae) are less resistant to herbivory by a specialist psyllid, Arytinnis hakani (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) by measuring and comparing A. hakani performance on plants from native (southern France) and introduced (California, U.S.) populations. A. hakani performed equally well on plants from the native and introduced regions; there were no significant differences in psyllid egg and nymphal development, nymphal survival rates, female longevity or fecundity between the test plants. Egg survival rates were significantly higher on native populations, but the difference was minimal. These results provide preliminary evidence that native and introduced G. monspessulana populations are equally resistant to A. hakani and do not support the EICA hypothesis prediction of reduced investment in defense in introduced plant populations. Possible explanations for the lack of effects found in this study include the type of parameters measured and the feeding ecology of the herbivore used to test EICA, and finally, that evolutionary changes in plant defense in introduced G. monspessulana populations may not have occurred.

The importance of nitrogen-fixation for an invader of a coastal California grassland

Whether a novel trait of an invader directly contributes to increased establishment of that invader is a relatively unstudied question in plant ecology. Nitrogen (N)-fixing shrubs comprise a significant subset of grassland invaders worldwide, which suggests the potential importance of the novel trait of N-fixation in the invasion process. We indirectly tested the importance of N-fixation in the invasion of Genista monspessulana (French broom) in a California grassland by alleviating N and phosphorus (P) limitation to the grassland matrix. Grassland productivity was co-limited by N and P; N alone did not release the resident vegetation, and did not affect Genista performance. Genista was strongly limited by P: seedlings had more nodules, greater leaf N concentration, and higher growth and survival with P additions. When N was added with P, however, growth of the resident vegetation was 50–70% greater than with N or P alone, accompanied by decreases in Genista performance. This suggests that the advantage conferred to Genista by N-fixation was dampened when the resident vegetation was released from nutrient limitation.

News from the early spring flora of Albania

Six new species for the flora of Albania ( Convolvulus siculus, Gagea amblyopetala, Gagea bohemica agg., Ptilostemon chamaepeuce, Spergula pentandra and Stachys canescens ) were collected during the 2010 March field trip and are discussed here. Additionally, the occurrence of Ceratocephala falcata in Albania is confirmed and contributions to the distribution of other four, rare and of insufficiently known range taxa ( Bellevalia dubia, Hyacinthella leucophaea, Phagnalon saxatile and Teline monspessulana ) are given. The listed species are the members of the native flora of Albania, except for Stachys canescens , which, according to the assumption of the authors can be an old introduction.

Introduced populations of Genista monspessulana (French broom) are more dense and produce a greater seed rain in California, USA, than native populations in the Mediterranean Basin of Europe

Some invasive plants perform better in their area of introduction than in their native region, and this is often attributed either to phenotypic responses and/or to adaptive evolution following exposure to new environmental conditions. Genista monspessulana (French broom) is native to Europe, but highly invasive and abundant along the Pacific Coast of the USA. In this study, the population density and age structure, plant growth and reproductive traits, and seed bank characteristics of 13 native (Mediterranean Basin) and 15 introduced (California, USA) field populations of G. monspessulana were compared. Mean population density, plant height and stem diameter were greater in introduced populations, with the latter two traits explained by a greater mean plant age. Age structure also showed a greater percentage of seedling plants in introduced populations. Fecundity was higher in introduced populations when measured in terms of mature seeds per pod, but lower when comparing seed production per plant (number of pods and mature seeds). Thus, seed rain and seed bank size was considerably higher in introduced populations. Results from this study indicate that G. monspessulana performs better in its introduced region. We hypothesize that release from natural enemies and competitors together with more favorable environmental conditions in the introduced region may explain the invasion success of G. monspessulana. As a result, an integrated management approach using introduced seed predators to suppress seed production and selected management practices to reduce seed banks may be needed for effective long-term control in California.

El fuego favorece la invasión de Teline monspessulana (Fabaceae) al aumentar su germinación

Worldwide, it has been reported that invasive species and fire can interact positively changing landscape dynamics and ecosystem cycles. This work aims to study the effect of forest fires on the seed bank of Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch (French Broom) and its implications for the invasion of the species in the mediterranean area of south- central Chile. For this aim, soil seedbank samples were subjected to different treatments that simulate fire conditions through controlled burns. In addition, for seeds taken from mature plants the optimal range of temperatures at which germination occurs was determined. The results show that after a wildfire germination of T. monspessulana increases significantly. Heating of the seeds was the factor that triggers this increase in germination. Furthermore, it was determined that the seeds reach their maximum germination rate when preheated between 80 and 120 oC for 10 minutes. At 140 oC, 100 % of the seeds die. During a fire, optimal temperatures for germination are reached about 2 cm in depth within the soil or at the surface in areas where the accumulation of fuel (biomass) does not exceed 5 tons ha -1 . The small portion of the seed bank that manages to be stimulated is offset by the large seedbank that can exceed 8000 seeds m -2 . This study shows that the fire, a common phenomenon in mediterranean areas and increasingly frequent in central Chile, would be promoting the persistence of T. monspessulana in areas with high human disturbance.