Solidago Gigantea Research Articles

Invasive Alien Plant Species Aqueous Extracts in a War Against the Granary Weevil (Sitophilus granarius [L.]) – are They Long-Term Effective or Can They Only Win the Battle of Cannae?

This study investigates the effectiveness of plant-based extracts in repelling the granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius), a common storage pest causing significant economic losses. The selected plant species (Canadian goldenrod, giant goldenrod, indigo bush, staghorn sumac, and tree of heaven), were examined for their repellent effects on weevils in grain samples. Surprisingly, the short-term repellent effects observed after 24 hours diminished after 3 days, suggesting potential challenges for practical applications, especially in long-term grain storage. Temperature emerged as a significant environmental factor, influencing weevil behavior. Lower temperatures created an illusion of increased effectiveness, while higher temperatures accelerated weevil reproduction. Commercial product NeemAzal, despite its reputation for effectiveness, proved the least potent among all treatments, raising questions about its applicability in such cases. Progeny emergence tests indicated no significant differences between treatments, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of the extracts in sustaining long-term repellent effects. The study concludes that while plant-based extracts may offer short-term victories in pest control, their long-term efficacy remains uncertain. The complex interplay of factors, including temperature and humidity, highlights the challenges in developing sustainable and practical solutions for grain storage pest control, necessitating careful consideration by real-world users.

Weed Control and Physiological Responses in Poplar Plantations: Assessing Glyphosate’s Impact

The presence of weeds and changes in temperature and precipitation due to global climate change can negatively affect the growth, development, and adaptation of poplars to new places. Experiments were conducted at the Experimental Estate of the Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment to test glyphosate’s efficacy and phytotoxicity and to assess the impact of glyphosate on physiological parameters in different stages of poplar plantations. A test with glyphosate was set up by a random block system with four replications at three localities, each characterized by different physical soil properties. Glyphosate efficacy was evaluated after 15 and 30 days, while phytotoxicity was evaluated according to the EWRC scale. Net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) were measured, and water use efficiency (WUE) was computed. Annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, grasses, and woody shrubs and bushes were identified. The dominant weed species across all poplar plantations were Solidago gigantea L., Solidago speciosa L., and Poa pratensis L. Glyphosate was highly effective against the major weed species, with the total efficacy ranging from 94.29 to 97.67%. The results showed significant differences in all observed gas exchange parameters, except for transpiration rate (E), between the different-aged poplar plantations. The younger poplars showed lower gas exchange rates in the treatment under the environmental conditions of the studied sites. Weed suppression resulted in altered microhabitats for poplar development at various ages, causing variation in the physiological parameters compared to the control.

Impact of Solidago gigantea invasion on nematode communities in grasslands

Summary Solidago gigantea is one of the most problematic species of invasive plants in Europe, where its rapid spread threatens the stability of ecosystems. The effect of invasion by S. gigantea on soil ecosystems and food webs can be evaluated using nematode communities as suitable and useful soil bioindicators. We compared the effect of S. gigantea on nematode communities in plots invaded with S. gigantea and non-invaded grasslands across three sites with varying soil and climatic conditions. Our findings indicated that invasion by S. gigantea did not strongly affect nematode taxonomic diversity but negatively affected functional diversity. This effect was evident in the increased abundance of bacterivore and fungivore nematodes and decrease in values of ecological and functional indices. The evaluation of the soil food web using nematode communities confirmed that soil in plots with S. gigantea were less mature and more disturbed with a degraded or depleted food web indicated by lower values of maturity, enrichment and structure indices, compared with non-invaded grasslands. On the other hand, taxonomic diversity, abundance, biomass and the functional indices differed between three study sites, but site had little or no effect on the values of the maturity indices. The interaction between site and invasion status confirmed the effect of invasion on nematode biomass, with the abundance of bacterivore and fungivore nematodes and the functional indices more prominent at sites characterised by cold and humid climates. These findings underscore the importance of considering both taxonomic and functional diversity and the characteristics of the plants and sites when evaluating the impact of plant invasion on soil biota.

Solidago gigantea invasion homogenizes soil properties and native plant communities

Solidago gigantea invasion homogenizes soil properties and native plant communities

Investigating the Effectiveness of Novel Repellent Labels Produced from Invasive Plant Species

Although N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) remains the most effective repellent against mosquitoes and ticks, concerns about skin irritation, rashes, and neurological problems in children have driven the search for natural alternatives. The aim of this research was to develop, manufacture, and test prototype stickers derived from invasive plant species in Europe. These labels contained a coating with encapsulated repellents made from essential oils to protect against mosquito bites and similar blood-sucking insects. Six samples of invasive plant species in Europe such as Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) were coated with two essential oil mixtures (of geranium, lavender, and eucalyptus) and were encapsulated on solid carriers for prolonged evaporation. Analysis of the structural properties (weight, thickness, density, and specific volume) were carried out on the coated label samples. Analysis of surface properties (roughness and porosity), capillary absorption, and a comparison of time and evaporation of essential oils were also carried out. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on the samples and the solid carrier with different mixtures of essential oils. The Japanese knotweed sample, coated with a blend of geranium, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils, showed the highest efficacy and stability.

First report of Verbena latent virus infecting giant goldenrod in Belgium

First report of <i>Verbena latent virus</i> infecting giant goldenrod in Belgium

Habitat Degradation Facilitates the Invasion of Neophytes: A Resurvey Study Based on Permanent Vegetation Plots in Oak Forests in Slovenia (Europe).

The spread of neophytes (non-native plant species) challenges the conservation status and ecological integrity of forests, especially in lowland areas. Long-term resurvey studies are needed to evaluate the temporal dynamics of neophytes in forests; however, such data are scarce. In 2023, we resampled a set of 45 permanent vegetation plots (established in 1992/93) in two forest vegetation types: oak-hornbeam forests dominated by Quercus robur and colline oak-beech forests dominated by Q. petraea. Over the last 30 years, oak forests have experienced extensive oak tree mortality, with the degree of habitat degradation being greater in Q. robur forests. In the early 1990s, only three neophytes with low abundance were recorded across all plots. In the 2023 resurvey, the total number of neophytes increased to 22 species (15 herbaceous and 7 woody species), comprising 6.9% of the total species pool in the understory layer. The increase in the plot-level number and cover of neophytes was significant in plots dominated by Q. robur but not in those with Q. petraea. The most frequent neophytes were Impatiens parviflora (present in 31% of plots), Solidago gigantea (27%), Erigeron annuus (16%) and Erechtites hieraciifolia (16%). The richness and cover of neophytes were significantly affected by the tree layer cover (negative correlation) and the degree of soil disturbance (positive correlation). All neophytes established in disturbed patches, whereas the occurrence of I. parviflora was exceptional as it was able to colonize less degraded, shaded understory environments. Habitat degradation (the mortality-induced loss of stand-forming oak trees resulting in extensive tree layer cover decrease) emerged as a key driver promoting neophyte proliferation, coupled with the impact of management-induced disturbances affecting overstory and soil conditions. The spread is expected to continue or even intensify in the future because novel light regimes and disturbances make forest habitats less resistant to neophyte proliferation.

Potential of Plant-Based Extracts to Alleviate Sorbitol-Induced Osmotic Stress in Cabbage Seedlings.

In light of expected climate change, it is important to seek nature-based solutions that can contribute to the protection of our planet as well as to help overcome the emerging adverse changes. In an agricultural context, increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress seems to be crucial. Therefore, the scope of the presented research was focused on the application of botanical extracts that exerted positive effects on model plants growing under controlled laboratory conditions, as well as plants subjected to sorbitol-induced osmotic stress. Foliar spraying increased the length and fresh mass of the shoots (e.g., extracts from Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium pratense, and Pisum sativum) and the roots (e.g., Solidago gigantea, Hypericum perforatum, and Pisum sativum) of cabbage seedlings grown under stressful conditions, as well as their content of photosynthetic pigments (Pisum sativum, Lens culinaris, and Hypericum perforatum) along with total phenolic compounds (Hypericum perforatum, Taraxacum officinale, and Urtica dioica). The antioxidant activity of the shoots measured with the use of DDPH (Pisum sativum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, and Hypericum perforatum), ABTS (Trifolium pratense, Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Pisum sativum, and Lens culinaris), and FRAP (Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, and Taraxacum officinale) assays was also enhanced in plants exposed to osmotic stress. Based on these findings, the most promising formulation based on Symphytum officinale was selected and subjected to transcriptomic analysis. The modification of the expression of the following genes was noted: Bol029651 (glutathione S-transferase), Bol027348 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol015841 (S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases), Bol009860 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol022819 (GDSL lipase/esterase), Bol036512 (heat shock protein 70 family), Bol005916 (DnaJ Chaperone), Bol028754 (pre-mRNA splicing Prp18-interacting factor), Bol009568 (heat shock protein Hsp90 family), Bol039362 (gibberellin regulated protein), Bol007693 (B-box-type zinc finger), Bol034610 (RmlC-like cupin domain superfamily), Bol019811 (myb_SHAQKYF: myb-like DNA-binding domain, SHAQKYF class), Bol028965 (DA1-like Protein). Gene Ontology functional analysis indicated that the application of the extract led to a decrease in the expression of many genes related to the response to stress and photosynthetic systems, which may confirm a reduction in the level of oxidative stress in plants treated with biostimulants. The conducted studies showed that the use of innovative plant-based products exerted positive effects on crops and can be used to supplement current cultivation practices.

Legibility of Sans-Serif Typeface on Different Paper Grades Made from Invasive Alien Plant Species

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) may cause threats to native biodiversity in ecosystems. Researchers have been investigating all the possible ways that they can be used effectively for other purposes. Since IAPS are capable of forming cellulose fibre nets, in this research, papers were made from three different types of IAPS (Japanese knotweed, giant goldenrod, and black locust). This research examined these IAPS papers and their effectiveness when used as printing substrates. In comparison to commercial office paper, the differences in basic, surface, optical, and microscopic properties were measured. As a widely used technology, inkjet printing was applied. We tested a commonly used sans-serif typeface (which has been established as being more legible than other typefaces in previous research) in three different type sizes (i.e., 8, 10, and 12 pt). According to the results, paper made from IAPS could offer some usable properties and acceptable legibility, especially when printing typefaces with specific attributes, such as moderate counter size, higher x-height, and minimal differences in the letter stroke width, are used. An appropriate typographic tonal density should be achieved in combination with an adequate letter size, e.g., 10 pt type size when a sans-serif typeface is used.

Disparate Effects of Two Clerodane Diterpenes of Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Ait.) on Bacillus spizizenii.

New substances with antimicrobial properties are needed to successfully treat emerging human, animal, or plant pathogens. Seven clerodane diterpenes, previously isolated from giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) root, were tested against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus spizizenii and Rhodococcus fascians by measuring minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Two of them, Sg3a (a dialdehyde) and Sg6 (solidagoic acid B), were proved to be the most effective and were selected for further study. Bacillus spizizenii was incubated with the two diterpenes for shorter (1 h) or longer (5 h) periods and then subjected to genome-wide transcriptional analyses. Only a limited number of common genes (28 genes) were differentially regulated after each treatment, and these were mainly related to the restoration of cell membrane integrity and to membrane-related transports. Changes in gene activity indicated that, among other things, K+ and Na+ homeostasis, pH and membrane electron transport processes may have been affected. Activated export systems can be involved in the removal of harmful molecules from the bacterial cells. Inhibition of bacterial chemotaxis and flagellar assembly, as well as activation of genes for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, were observed as a general response. Depending on the diterpenes and the duration of the treatments, down-regulation of the protein synthesis-related, oxidative phosphorylation, signal transduction and transcription factor genes was found. In other cases, up-regulation of the genes of oxidation-reduction processes, sporulation and cell wall modification could be detected. Comparison of the effect of diterpenes with the changes induced by different environmental and nutritional conditions revealed several overlapping processes with stress responses. For example, the Sg6 treatment seems to have caused a starvation-like condition. In summary, there were both common and diterpene-specific changes in the transcriptome, and these changes were also dependent on the length of treatments. The results also indicated that Sg6 exerted its effect more slowly than Sg3a, but ultimately its effect was greater.

Five invasive alien plant powders, Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst.) wood ash and diatomaceous earth against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) adults: are they closer to guns or roses?

We tested the insecticidal efficacy of different powders as surface treatment against the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) adults. We have applied dusts from five invasive alien plant species (Solidago canadensis, Solidago gigantea, Amorpha fruticosa, Rhus typhina, Ailanthus altissima) and two inert dusts, i.e. wood ash from Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and commercial product SilicoSec® (as diatomaceous earth). Mortality was evaluated from 1st till 7th day after exposure, at 20 and 25 °C, two values of relative humidity and two doses (20 and 40 g/m2). After Day 7, alive beetles were placed into clean Petri dishes, and mortality counts were measured from 8th till 14th day. In general, we have detected poor efficacy of plant powders against S. oryzae. SilicoSec® at 20 g/m2 caused 100 % mortality at 25 °C and 55% RH, after seven days. Wood ash (13.46% SiO2) was less effective in comparison to SilicoSec® (79.48% SiO2), as approx. 60% mortality was recorded at the same conditions. We have detected that leaves of A. altissima and flowers od S. gigantea are rich with polyphenols (like catechin hydrate), on average almost 17 mg/g in S. gigantea flowers. Flowers and leaves of Solidago species are also rich with essential oil, like beta-copaene. The results of our research indicate that the powders of invasive plants are closer to fragrant roses in controlling S. oryzae adults, while the gun for this pest is only diatomaceous earth. To improve the effectiveness of invasive plant products, we suggest testing their independent effectiveness in liquid form as well as combinations of their essential oils with inert dusts.

Root hemiparasites suppress invasive alien clonal plants: evidence from a cultivation experiment

Alien invasive plants threaten biodiversity by rapid spread and competitive exclusion of native plant species. Especially, tall clonal invasives can rapidly attain strong dominance in vegetation. Root-hemiparasitic plants are known to suppress the growth of clonal plants by the uptake of resources from their below-ground organs and reduce their abundance. However, root-hemiparasites’ ability to interact with alien clonal plants has not yet been tested. We explored the interactions between native root-hemiparasitic species, Melampyrum arvense and Rhinanthus alectorolophus and invasive aliens, Solidago gigantea and Symphyotrichum lanceolatum. We investigated the haustorial connections and conducted a pot experiment. We used seeds from wild hemiparasite populations and those cultivated in monostands of the invasive plants to identify a possible selection of lineages with increased compatibility with these alien hosts. The hemiparasitic species significantly suppressed the growth of the invasive plants. Melampyrum inflicted the most substantial growth reduction on Solidago (78%), followed by Rhinanthus (49%). Both hemiparasitic species reduced Symphyotrichum biomass by one-third. Additionally, Melampyrum reduced the shoot density of both host species. We also observed some transgenerational effects possibly facilitating the growth of hemiparasites sourced from subpopulations experienced with the host. Native root hemiparasites can effectively decrease alien clonal plants’ biomass production and shoot density. The outcomes of these interactions are species-specific and may be associated with the level of clonal integration of the hosts. The putative selection of lineages with higher performance when attached to the invasive novel hosts may increase hemiparasites’ efficiency in future biocontrol applications.

Influence of the Alien Herbaceous Plant &lt;i&gt;Solidago gigantea&lt;/i&gt; on the Early Stages of Secondary Succession in an Abandoned Cultivated Field in Obihiro City, Hokkaido

Influence of the Alien Herbaceous Plant &lt;i&gt;Solidago gigantea&lt;/i&gt; on the Early Stages of Secondary Succession in an Abandoned Cultivated Field in Obihiro City, Hokkaido

Involvement of Dynamic Adjustment of ABA, Proline and Sugar Levels in Rhizomes in Effective Acclimation of Solidago gigantea to Contrasting Weather and Soil Conditions in the Country of Invasion.

Giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) is one of the most invasive plant species occurring in Europe. Since little is known about the molecular mechanisms contributing to its invasiveness, we examined the natural dynamics of the content of rhizome compounds, which can be crucial for plant resistance and adaptation to environmental stress. We focused on rhizomes because they are the main vector of giant goldenrod dispersion in invaded lands. Water-soluble sugars, proline, and abscisic acid (ABA) were quantified in rhizomes, as well as ABA in the rhizosphere from three different but geographically close natural locations in Poland (50°04'11.3″ N, 19°50'40.2″ E) under extreme light, thermal, and soil conditions, in early spring, late summer, and late autumn. The genetic diversity of plants between locations was checked using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Sugar and proline content was assayed spectrophotometrically, and abscisic acid (ABA) with the ELISA immunomethod. It can be assumed that the accumulation of sugars in giant goldenrod rhizomes facilitated the process of plant adaptation to adverse environmental conditions (high temperature and/or water scarcity) caused by extreme weather in summer and autumn. The same was true for high levels of proline and ABA in summer. On the other hand, the lowering of proline and ABA in autumn did not confirm the previous assumptions about their synthesis in rhizomes during the acquisition of frost resistance by giant goldenrod. However, in the location with intensive sunlight and most extreme soil conditions, a constant amount of ABA in rhizomes was noticed as well as its exudation into the rhizosphere. This research indicates that soluble sugars, proline, and ABA alterations in rhizomes can participate in the mechanism of acclimation of S. gigantea to specific soil and meteorological conditions in the country of invasion irrespective of plant genetic variation.

Evaluation of the Effect of Organic Matter from Invasive Plants on Soil Nematode Communities.

Invasive plants can cause loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems with varying degrees of impact on soil communities. Little is known about how the organic matter of these invaders in the soil affects soil properties and nematode communities. We performed a pot experiment with non-invaded grassland soil and organic matter from two invasive plants, Fallopia japonica and Solidago gigantea, to assess and compare the composition and function of the nematode communities and soil properties. We tested five treatments: (1) non-invaded grassland soil (S), (2) 100% decayed organic matter from F. japonica (OMF), (3) 100% decayed organic matter from S. gigantea (OMS), (4) 50% soil plus 50% organic matter from F. japonica (S/OMF), and (5) 50% soil plus 50% organic matter from S. gigantea (S/OMS). Analysis of nematode composition was conducted over five months from May to September. The number of identified genera and diversity index was highest in the S treatment. The soil moisture content was highest, pH and the diversity index were lowest and herbivorous nematodes were absent in OMF and OMS treatments. The addition of OMF and OMS to soil decreased the soil pH and moisture content and increased the contents of organic carbon and total nitrogen. In S/OMF, the abundance of herbivores was lower than in S and the abundances of bacterivores and fungivores decreased during the study period. In the S/OMS, a significantly high diversity index was observed, similar to that in the S treatment. The selected ecological and functional indices differed between S/OMF, S/OMS and S, but not significantly. Our findings indicated that the organic matter from the two invasive plants could differentially contribute to interactions with nematode communities. A decrease in productivity and the slowing of nutrient cycling demonstrated by the decrease in the abundances of bacterivores and fungivorous nematodes may be common adding organic matter of invasive plants to soil. A decrease in the abundance of herbivores after the application of organic matter of F. japonica could potentially be used as an ecologically friendly management strategy against plant parasitic nematodes.

Investigating the effects of whole genome duplication on phenotypic plasticity: implications for the invasion success of giant goldenrod Solidago gigantea

Polyploidy commonly occurs in invasive species, and phenotypic plasticity (PP, the ability to alter one's phenotype in different environments) is predicted to be enhanced in polyploids and to contribute to their invasive success. However, empirical support that increased PP is frequent in polyploids and/or confers invasive success is limited. Here, we investigated if polyploids are more pre‐adapted to become invasive than diploids via the scaling of trait values and PP with ploidy level, and if post‐introduction selection has led to a divergence in trait values and PP responses between native‐ and non‐native cytotypes. We grew diploid, tetraploid (from both native North American and non‐native European ranges), and hexaploid Solidago gigantea in pots outside with low, medium, and high soil nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) amendments, and measured traits related to growth, asexual reproduction, physiology, and insects/pathogen resistance. Overall, we found little evidence to suggest that polyploidy and post‐introduction selection shaped mean trait and PP responses. When we compared diploids to tetraploids (as their introduction into Europe was more likely than hexaploids) we found that tetraploids had greater pathogen resistance, photosynthetic capacities, and water‐use efficiencies and generally performed better under NP enrichments. Furthermore, tetraploids invested more into roots than shoots in low NP and more into shoots than roots in high NP, and this resource strategy is beneficial under variable NP conditions. Lastly, native tetraploids exhibited greater plasticity in biomass accumulation, clonal‐ramet production, and water‐use efficiency. Cumulatively, tetraploid S. gigantea possesses traits that might have predisposed and enabled them to become successful invaders. Our findings highlight that trait expression and invasive species dynamics are nuanced, while also providing insight into the invasion success and cyto‐geographic patterning of S. gigantea that can be broadly applied to other invasive species with polyploid complexes.

Eco-Finishing of Cotton with Chitosan and Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) Aqueous Extract for Development of Antioxidant and UV Protective Textiles

ABSTRACT Giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton) is considered an invasive weed in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In this research, the untreated and chitosan-treated cotton fabrics were functionalized with goldenrod inflorescences aqueous extract, at room temperature and 95°C. Zeta potential of fabrics was determined as a function of pH and the results showed an increased isoelectric point from 2.50 to 5.25 and amphoteric character of the chitosan-treated sample. The antioxidant activity (AA) of extract and functionalized fabrics was determined using DPPH analysis, while color and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were determined spectroscopically before and after wash and lightfastness testing. The chitosan pretreatment and dyeing of cotton at higher temperature increased AA (from 41.19 ± 0.28 to 56.08 ± 0.25), UPF (from 33.05 to 51.59) and color strength (K/S) (from 1.74 to 2.21), providing dyed cotton with excellent UV protection and a free radical inhibition activity. The samples had good wash fastness in terms of color (ΔEab* < 1), but not in terms of UV protection (UPF value decreased after washing to 23.47). The overall lightfastness was good to excellent (the UPF values of chitosan and dyed samples did not change much after lightfastness test (UPF = 51.75).

Genome-material costs and functional trade-offs in the autopolyploid Solidago gigantea (giant goldenrod) series.

Increased genome-material costs of N and P atoms inherent to organisms with larger genomes have been proposed to limit growth under nutrient scarcities and to promote growth under nutrient enrichments. Such responsiveness may reflect a nutrient-dependent diploid versus polyploid advantage that could have vast ecological and evolutionary implications, but direct evidence that material costs increase with ploidy level and/or influence cytotype-dependent growth, metabolic, and/or resource-use trade-offs is limited. We grew diploid, autotetraploid, and autohexaploid Solidago gigantea plants with one of four ambient or enriched N:P ratios and measured traits related to material costs, primary and secondary metabolism, and resource-use. Relative to diploids, polyploids invested more N and P into cells, and tetraploids grew more with N enrichments, suggesting that material costs increase with ploidy level. Polyploids also generally exhibited strategies that could minimize material-cost constraints over both long (reduced monoploid genome size) and short (more extreme transcriptome downsizing, reduced photosynthesis rates and terpene concentrations, enhanced N-use efficiencies) evolutionary time periods. Furthermore, polyploids had lower transpiration rates but higher water-use efficiencies than diploids, both of which were more pronounced under nutrient-limiting conditions. N and P material costs increase with ploidy level, but material-cost constraints might be lessened by resource allocation/investment mechanisms that can also alter ecological dynamics and selection. Our results enhance mechanistic understanding of how global increases in nutrients might provide a release from material-cost constraints in polyploids that could impact ploidy (or genome-size)-specific performances, cytogeographic patterning, and multispecies community structuring.

Native plant community characteristics explain alien species success in post-industrial vegetation

Biological invasions are one of the major challenges to the restoration of post-mining sites. Most post-mining sites are under technical reclamation with only a few left to spontaneous vegetation processes. Therefore, we know little about alien plant species on spontaneously-vegetated post-coal mine heaps and how native community characteristics predict their establishment. To fill the knowledge gap, we aimed to determine the drivers of alien species colonisation on post-coal mine heaps. Specifically, we asked: (i) Which alien species are the most successful on post-coal mine heaps and why? (ii) What are the drivers of alien species richness and cover, and how are they affected by the native community? (iii) What does it mean for predicting threats from alien species and management? We recorded vascular plant species and their abundance across 400 plots on post-coal mine heaps in Upper Silesia, Poland. We calculated plant community taxonomic and functional characteristics and, using mixed-effects models, we estimated predictors of alien species richness and cover. We found 65 alien species on post-coal mine heaps, comprising 20.4% of all recorded species, including 36 neophytes and 29 archaeophytes. Amongst them – Erigeron canadensis, Solidago gigantea, Solidago canadensis, Erigeron annuus and Impatiens parviflora – were the most frequent on the studied heaps. We showed that native functional richness significantly predicts alien species richness and cover. Similarly, native community-weighted mean (CWM) seed mass and plant height predict alien species cover. However, CWM of specific leaf area for native species marginally predicts alien species richness. We showed that alien species cover decreases with native species cover. Our findings revealed the ecological significance of niche-filling and the biotic acceptance hypotheses on post-coal mine heaps. We demonstrated how exploring native community characteristics can help in understanding the invasibility and management of post-industrial vegetation.

Checklist of Alien Vascular Plants of Hungary and Their Invasion Biological Characteristics

As part of the PADAPT project, the authors compiled the invasion biological database of the alien vascular flora of Hungary, which contains the nativeness, residence time, introduc- tion mode and invasion status of 878 alien or cryptogenic taxa. In the absence of adequate evidence, the classification of some species was only possible into uncertain, transitional cat- egories. The definitions of most categories are compatible with several international termi- nologies, but are primarily based on Central European traditions. Of the 560 taxa that have already been naturalised in Hungary, 85 are invasive, and 22 of them are transformer alien vascular plants. Only 5 of these transformers are included in the European list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Elodea nuttallii, Heracleum mantegazzianum and H. sosnowskyi), which require uniform preventive interventions and treatments throughout the continent, while the rest of transformers in Hungary (e.g., Robinia pseudoacacia, Fallopia × bohemica and Solidago gigantea) draw attention to the unique, local and/ or regional invasion biological situation of the Pannonian Basin and Central Europe.