Chinese Tallow Research Articles

Soil sterilization and fertility impacts on urease and belowground mass specific phosphatase activity vary among Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) populations

Soil sterilization and fertility impacts on urease and belowground mass specific phosphatase activity vary among Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) populations

Impact of caterpillars and plant-parasitic nematodes on Chinese tallow tree are more strongly affected by nematode density than by caterpillar identity

Impact of caterpillars and plant-parasitic nematodes on Chinese tallow tree are more strongly affected by nematode density than by caterpillar identity

Response of Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera) and Coexisting Natives to Competition, Shade, and Flooding

Abstract A greenhouse experiment was designed to determine the interactive effect of light, flooding, and competition on the growth and performance of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera [L.] Roxb.) and three tree species native to the southeastern United States: water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.), sugarberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall). The experiment used a factorial design that received two treatments: light (low irradiance or high irradiance) and flood (nonflooded and flooded) regimes. In the nonflooded and high irradiance treatment, changes in the growth (ground diameter, number of leaves, and total biomass) indicated that growth metrics of tallow were highest when growing with sugarberry and water tupelo but decreased when tallow was in competition with green ash. In contrast, competition with tallow reduced the height, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of water tupelo. The results showed that tallow had lower growth metrics when in competition with green ash at no apparent decrease in the growth of green ash except for growth rate. Our results suggest that tallow may be less competitive with certain native species and underplanting may be a possible opportunity for improving the success rates of native tree species establishment in areas prone to tallow invasion.

An Overview of Triadica sebifera (Chinese Tallowtree) in the Southern United States, Emphasizing Pollinator Impacts and Classical Biological Control

Throughout history a great many plant species have been purposefully transported to new areas around the globe. Horticulture, the promise of new sources of plant material for industry, forage, food, and stabilization of soil are only a few of the motives for the early transcontinental exchange of plants. Many introductions have been beneficial or benign, but some plants introduced into new areas are now considered invasive and detrimentally impact the environment. Triadica sebifera (Chinese Tallowtree; Euphorbiaceae) is an excellent example of the best intentions leading to unanticipated negative effects many decades later. Native to eastern Asia and now naturalized and widespread in many tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas in the world, Chinese Tallowtree has proven to be one of the worst woody invasive plants. It is known for shading out native vegetation, capable of dominating areas following disturbance or even invading previously diverse undisturbed habitats. It is prevalent in the southern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast. Investigations into classical biological control of Chinese Tallowtree have yielded at least 2 promising candidates but have raised objections among beekeepers and beekeeping organizations who prize the quality honey produced from an abundant spring nectar flow. In this overview, we discuss Chinese Tallowtree's invasive characteristics, detrimental effects, potential use as a biomass crop, and demonstrated or potential direct and indirect effects on native and non-native pollinators. We review the current state of identification and screening of biological control agents and present 4 research topics that are would fill gaps in our knowledge of Chinese Tallowtree and pollinators. Classical biological control has the potential to reduce Chinese Tallowtree populations across the landscape, which would likely result in greater understory and tree diversity, benefitting native and exotic pollinators.

Fire effects on post-invasion spread of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) in wet pine flatwood ecosystems in the southeastern United States

Prescribed fire has been increasingly used in restoring endangered slash pine (Pinus elliottii) flatwood ecosystems in the southeastern United States. We collected overstory and understory data to study the impact of fire on the post-invasion spread of Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) in a wet slash pine flatwood in the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi, USA. A total of 70 contiguous 30-m2 quadrats were installed and measured prior to fire (2018) and remeasured post-fire (2019 and 2020) to study the spatial distribution of the tallow soil seedbank and seedling recruitment. In addition, the same data were collected around 11 randomly selected tallow seed trees with varying burn intensities (estimated by stem-bark char heights) to evaluate the changes in seedling recruitment and survial by burn intensity. Soil tallow seedbanks around seed trees (427.7 ± 43.9 seeds m−2) were significantly greater than elsewhere (34.6 ± 13.2 seeds m−2) (p < 0.001). Tallow’s soil seedbank varied spatially with more tallow seeds confined in areas with low elevation, canopy closure, and grass cover. Tallow seedling density was negatively correlated with litter and shrub cover; seedling recruitment rates increased with fire intensity with the mean seedling:seed ratio averaging 0.25 in burned areas, significantly higher than that in unburned areas (0.01–0.02). However, most germinants died by the end of the second year, resulting in nonsignificant differences in the density and height of surviving seedlings between burned and unburned areas. These findings suggest that prescribed fire is an effective management tool for depleting the tallow seedbank while not contributing to post-invasion spread.

Spatiotemporal Invasion Severity of Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera) and Invasibility of Forest Types in Southern US Forestlands

Abstract Quantifying invasion severity of nonnative invasive plant species is vital for the development of appropriate mitigation and control measures. We examined more than 23,250 Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots from the southern coastal states of the United States to develop an alternative method to classify and map the invasion severity of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera). Remeasured FIA plot-level data were used to examine the spatiotemporal changes in the presence probability and cover percentage of tallow. Four invasion severity classes were identified by using the product of presence probability and cover percentage. Chinese tallow invasion severity increased over time with 90 and 123 counties being classified into the highest severity class for the first and second measurement, respectively. Further, the invasibility of major forest-type groups by severity class was examined using the product of the county-level mean presence probability and mean cover percentage of Chinese tallow as a proxy of invasibility. Longleaf/slash pine (Pinus palustris/P. elliottii) forests were highly resilient to the Chinese tallow invasion. In contrast, elm/ash/cottonwood (Ulmus spp./Fraxinus spp./Populus deltoides) and oak/gum/cypress (Quercus spp./Nyssa spp./Taxodium spp.) forest-type groups were vulnerable to invasion.

Overexpression of Karrikins Receptor Gene Sapium sebiferum KAI2 Promotes the Cold Stress Tolerance via Regulating the Redox Homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

KARRIKINS INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) is the receptor gene for karrikins, recently found to be involved in seed germination, hypocotyl development, and the alleviation of salinity and osmotic stresses. Nevertheless, whether KAI2 could regulate cold tolerance remains elusive. In the present study, we identified that Arabidopsis mutants of KAI2 had a high mortality rate, while overexpression of, a bioenergy plant, Sapium sebiferum KAI2 (SsKAI2) significantly recovered the plants after cold stress. The results showed that the SsKAI2 overexpression lines (OEs) had significantly increased levels of proline, total soluble sugars, and total soluble protein. Meanwhile, SsKAI2 OEs had a much higher expression of cold-stress-acclimation-relate genes, such as Cold Shock Proteins and C-REPEAT BINDING FACTORS under cold stress. Moreover, the results showed that SsKAI2 OEs were hypersensitive to abscisic acid (ABA), and ABA signaling genes were w significantly affected in SsKAI2 OEs under cold stress, suggesting a potential interaction between SsKAI2 and ABA downstream signaling. In SsKAI2 OEs, the electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde contents were reduced under cold stress in Arabidopsis. SsKAI2 OEs enhanced the anti-oxidants like ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total glutathione level under cold stress. Conclusively, these results provide novel insights into the understanding of karrikins role in the regulation of cold stress adaptation.

Biochar Improves Root Growth of Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb. Container Seedlings

Background: The faulty development of the root system is a major threat that affects the survival rate of container seedlings of Sapium sebiferum in the transplanting and reforestation processes. The current study was conducted to determine the impact of biochar on the root growth and development of S. sebiferum container seedlings. Methods: Varied concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) of straw and bamboo biochar were applied in six groups, whereas the control group (CK) was only treated with matrix. Results: The treatment with 3% straw biochar (C2) proved to be the most effective soil conditioner for cultivating S. sebiferum seedlings. Moreover, C2 increased seedling height (58.92%); ground diameter (33.86%, biomass of the over-ground part (12.73 g), the underground part (7.48 g), and the fibrous part (0.076 g) compared to the CK (control). Conclusions: Biochar not only improved the root morphology by developing primary lateral roots, but it also accelerated the assimilation of N from the matrix to indirectly facilitate stem growth through enhancing NR activity. The change in root growth strategy contributed to the growth in S. sebiferum seedlings, thereby improving the survival rate during transplanting and reforestation.

Agricultural waste of Eriobotrya japonica L. (Loquat) seeds and flora leaves as source of natural dye and bio-mordant for coloration and bio-functional finishing of wool textile

As agricultural waste, fruit seeds have received little attention in producing natural colorant for textile dyeing application. This work uses Eriobotrya japonica L. seed skins (EJSS) as source of natural dye for the coloration and bio-functional finishing of wool fabric. Investigation has been made to the optimal extracting conditions (such as solvent system, pH, temperature and time) and natural dye characterization (chemical components, surface morphology, and thermal stability) using UV–vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Energy Dispersive X-rays Spectroscopy (EDS) and Differential calorimetry (DSC). Flora leaves of Chinese Tallow, Folium Artemisiae Argyi and Cinnamomum Camphora were used to produce bio-mordants in this work. Pre-mordant fabric dyeing was conducted with comparisons made between bio-mordants and traditional metal ion mordants (ferrous sulfate, potassium aluminium sulfate, and copper sulfate). Results showed that pre-mordant dyeing using EJSS natural dye can produce wool fabric with a variety of shades with enhanced color strength, color fastness, and bio-functions (such as UV protection, antioxidant and antibacterial properties). Fabric mordanted with tannin-rich bio-mordant showed the best color strength and excellent functional behavior due to the high interaction between fiber and dye molecules activated by functional groups (such as phenolic groups). The outcome of this study can provide a potential to the application of agricultural waste to the natural dyeing of textile, as well as to a value-adding green waste management.

Species diversity of typical forest communities in Taizhou Green Heart zone

Taking six typical forest communities in Taizhou Green Heart (ⅰ: Liquidambar formosana + Ulmus pumila + Celtis sinensis; ⅱ: Celtis sinensis + Pterocarya stenoptera + Pinus massoniana; ⅲ: Sapindus mukorossi + Sapium sebiferum + Cupressus funebris; ⅳ: Liquidambar formosana + Acer buergerianum + Cupressus funebris); ⅴ: Celtis sinensis + Ligustrum compactum + Pinus massoniana; ⅵ: Machilus ichangensis + Sapindus mukorossi + Acer buergerianum) as the research objects, 5 indicators: Shannon-Wiener (H), Patrick richness (R1), Margalef species richness (R2), Pielou evenness (J) and ecological dominance (D) were used to analyze species diversity in forest communities. The results showed that: (1) the community was rich in plant resources, with a total of 50 species belonging to 40 genus and 31 families, including 19 species in tree layer, 22 species in shrub layer and only 9 species in herb layer, few plant species; (2) the species richness and diversity index of tree layer and shrub layer were significantly higher than that of herb layer, but there were differences among different communities in the same layer, and no significant difference was reached; (3) the species richness and community diversity of the six communities showed as follows: community VI &gt; community I &gt; community II &gt; community IV &gt; community V &gt; community III.

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor SsMYB1 positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and determines leaf color in Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum Roxb.)

Anthocyanin, a class of secondary metabolite, is critical for the distinctive autumn leaf coloration in landscape trees. Understanding the mechanism of anthocyanin regulation is essential to gardening applications. In this study, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor SsMYB1 was identified from Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum Roxb.), a kind of ornamental tree widely planted in China. The anthocyanin content of Chinese tallow leaves was dependent on the expression of SsMYB1. Overexpressing the SsMYB1 in Arabidopsis showed higher anthocyanin contents, whereas silencing of SsMYB1 in the Chinese tallow leaves significantly reduced its accumulation. The basic helix-loop-helix protein SsbHLH1, which acted as a putative SsMYB1 co-regulator, directly interacted with SsMYB1 to regulate the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway, which was further confirmed by yeast two-hybridization and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. In addition, tobacco leaves transient overexpressing SsMYB1 and SsbHLH1 showed deeper red pigmentation compared with SsMYB1 alone. The results also showed that SsMYB1 activated anthocyanin biosynthesis by directly binding to the promoters of SsDFR1 and SsANS and promoted their transcription activity, which can be further enhanced by SsbHLH1. Collectively, our results indicated that SsMYB1 positively regulates the anthocyanin biosynthesis and leaf coloration in Chinese tallow.

Increasing flavonoid concentrations in root exudates enhance associations between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and an invasive plant

Many invasive plants have enhanced mutualistic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal associations, however, mechanisms underlying differences in AM fungal associations between introduced and native populations of invasive plants have not been explored. Here we test the hypothesis that variation in root exudate chemicals in invasive populations affects AM fungal colonization and then impacts plant performance. We examined flavonoids (quercetin and quercitrin) in root exudates of native and introduced populations of the invasive plant Triadica sebifera and tested their effects on AM fungi and plant performance. We found that plants from introduced populations had higher concentrations of quercetin in root exudates, greater AM fungal colonization and higher biomass. Applying root exudates more strongly increased AM fungal colonization of target plants and AM fungal spore germination when exudate donors were from introduced populations. The role of root exudate chemicals was further confirmed by decreased AM fungal colonization when activated charcoal was added into soil. Moreover, addition of quercetin into soil increased AM fungal colonization, indicating quercetin might be a key chemical signal stimulating AM fungal associations. Together these results suggest genetic differences in root exudate flavonoids play an important role in enhancing AM fungal associations and invasive plants’ performance, thus considering root exudate chemicals is critical to unveiling mechanisms governing shifting plant-soil microbe interactions during plant invasions.

Comparison of photosynthetic characteristics of two new Triadica sebifera varieties

Comparison of photosynthetic characteristics of two new Triadica sebifera varieties

Invasive Woody Plants and Their Effects on Arthropods in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities

AbstractInvasive plant introductions are increasing globally, and trends in human activity suggest these increases will continue. Although we know much about interactions between invasive herbaceous plants and arthropod communities, there is a dearth of knowledge examining interactions between invasive woody plants and arthropod communities. What information does exist shows that invasive woody plant relationships with mutualists (e.g., pollinators), herbivores, twig- and stem-borers, leaf-litter and soil-dwelling arthropods, and other arthropod groups are complex and hint at multiple factors influencing effects. These relationships warrant additional attention to allow better prioritization of species for research and regulatory review. Chinese tallow tree, e.g., is renowned for its attractiveness to honeybees, whereas reduced pollinator populations are found among other invasive woody plants such as privet. The unknown driving mechanisms and interactions that create these differences represent a substantial gap in knowledge and warrant additional research. Our objectives are to review current knowledge regarding invasive woody plants and their interactions with various arthropod groups in the United States, outline future research needs, and present a call to action regarding invasive woody plant research.

Predicting the spread of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) in the southeastern United States forestland: Mechanism and risk factors at the regional scale

In this study, we analyzed the regional spread patterns of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) and associated factors using the remeasured U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. Each mapped FIA plot was classified into one of the four categories based on its invasion status during the two consecutive inventory cycles (2000–2009 and 2006–2015): a non-invaded plot in both cycles, a newly invaded plot in the second cycle, a previously invaded plot in the first cycle, but tallow disappeared in the second cycle, and a previously invaded plot with tallow existence in the second measurement cycle. The smoothed presence probability and rate of spread (annual invasion probability) were strongly linearly correlated (r = 0.90, p = 0.001). Risk factors contributing to Chinese tallow spread varied among the three sub-regions (invasion stages) of varying propagule pressure levels, however, elevation and distance to the nearest road were the two variables statistically significant across all sub-regions (the entire region), indicating the pivotal role of the interplay between geographic characteristics and landscape (dispersal) factors in the regional spread of Chinese tallow. Natural disturbances including hurricanes and tropical storms significantly facilitated the spread of Chinese tallow from lower coastal areas to the inland. Among all forest type groups, bottomland oak-gum-cypress forests were more susceptible to Chinese tallow invasion in the low and moderate propagule pressure sub-regions, while oak-pine forests had higher Chinese tallow coverage (degree of invasion) in the high propagule pressure sub-regions.

The influence of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) leaf litter on water quality and microbial community composition

The influence of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) leaf litter on water quality and microbial community composition

氮沉降背景下土壤微生物对入侵植物乌桕叶绿素荧光特征的影响

植物入侵会造成入侵地生态系统功能和稳定性的破坏。与原产地种源相比，入侵种源植物在生理学特性方面有所不同，使其在资源利用和抵抗环境胁迫具有较强的竞争优势。叶绿素荧光特性与植物光合作用效率密切相关，对植物生长具有重要作用。氮沉降加剧是全球变化的一个重要因子，土壤微生物对植物吸收利用土壤养分至关重要。通过施用细菌抑制剂（链霉素）和真菌抑制剂（扑海因）选择性抑制的土壤微生物活性，开展乌桕盆栽实验，在模拟氮沉降背景下，研究不同微生物群落如何影响入侵乌桕叶绿素荧光特性，有助于理解入侵植物的进化特征和入侵机制，为有效防控入侵植物并降低其对生态系统危害提供理论依据。以原产地地和入侵地两个种源乌桕（Triadica sebifera）为研究对象，在氮沉降条件下，通过调控土壤细菌和真菌，探讨两个种源乌桕叶绿素荧光参数差异。结果显示：氮沉降显著增加乌桕相对叶绿素含量（SPAD）、光系统II的最大量子产率（F_v/F_m）、非光化学猝灭（NPQ）和半饱和光强（I_k）。入侵种源乌桕比原产地具有较低SPAD。氮沉降与细菌抑制剂共同作用显著增强了F_v/F_m、NPQ和I_k，显著减弱了光能利用率（α）和SPAD。细菌抑制剂减缓了本地种源乌桕α，真菌抑制剂促进本地种源乌桕I_k，抑制入侵种源乌桕I_k，细菌和真菌抑制剂可显著降低原产地乌桕α。氮沉降与生物抑制剂可显著作用于乌桕叶片SPAD。氮沉降、土壤微生物和不同乌桕种源可共同作用于光系统Ⅱ实际光合量子产率Y（Ⅱ），α和潜在最大相对电子传递速率（ETR_max）。因此，氮沉降与生物抑制剂对乌桕叶绿素荧光特性具有协同作用，入侵种源乌桕对土壤微生物控制的响应不明显，在微生物控制条件下依然具有较强的适应能力，因而具有较强的入侵能力。;Plant invasions cause damage to both function and stability of invaded ecosystems. Compared with plants from the native origin, the invasive origin plants are different in physiological characteristics, which make them stronger in competitive ability in resource utilization and environmental stress resistance. The chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics are closely related to photosynthetic efficiency and play important roles in plant growth and expansion. Additionally, increased nitrogen deposition is an important factor of global change, while soil microorganisms are crucial for plants to absorb and utilize soil nutrients. By application of soil microbial inhibitors to control the activities of bacterial communities (by streptomycin) or fungi communities (by iprodione), study on invasive plant Triadica sebifera was carried out using pot experiment to understand how different microbial communities affect the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of T. sebifera from both the native and invasive origins under the background of simulated nitrogen deposition. The study will be helpful in understanding the evolutionary characteristics and invasion mechanism of invasive plants, and provide a theoretical basis for effectively preventing and controlling invasive plants, reducing their damage to the invaded ecosystems. The study was performed using a nested design, Triadica sebifera was used as the research object with two origins, including native and invasive origins. Under the condition of nitrogen deposition, the difference in the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of the two origins of T. sebifera were investigated by regulating soil bacteria and fungus. Results showed that, nitrogen deposition significantly increased the relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F_v/F_m), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), half-satiety and light intensity (I_K) of T. sebifera. The invasive origin of T. sebifera had lower SPAD than the native origin. The combination of nitrogen deposition and bacterial inhibitor significantly enhanced F_v/F_m, NPQ and I_K, and significantly reduced light energy utilization (α) and the SPAD. The bacterial inhibitors decreased the native T. sebifera α. Fungi inhibitors promoted I_K of the native T. sebifera and inhibited I_k of the invasive T. sebifera. Nitrogen deposition, biological inhibitor and T. sebifera origin can act together on the PSII actual photosynthetic quantum yield Y(Ⅱ), α and potential maximum relative electron transfer rate (ETR_max). Therefore, nitrogen deposition and fungi inhibitors had a synergistic effect on the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of T. sebifera. The invasive origin of T. sebifera had no obvious response to the control of soil microorganisms, so it still had a strong adaptability under the control of microorganisms, and thereby had strong invasion ability.

Post-fire invasion risk of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) in a slash pine flatwood ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain, United States: mechanisms and contributing factors at the community level.

The invasion of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) is a serious threat to the endangered slash pine (Pinus elliottii) flatwood ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain, United States. Prescribed fire in combination with vegetation management has been suggested as a preferred approach for mitigating Chinese tallow invasion and restoring this endangered ecosystem. A large plot of 0.86-ha with 281 nested contiguous 30-m2 quadrats was established in a tallow-invaded slash pine flatwood and all tallow trees, saplings, seedlings and associated factors in each quadrat were measured to study the community-level tallow invasion processes before and after a prescribed fire and by dispersal and community factors. Classification and regression tree models show that the dispersal factors (distances to the road and to the trail) and microtopography (elevation) determine the invasion probability of tallow, but the degree of invasion (abundance) of tallow depends on the interactions of both dispersal factors and community factors such as canopy closure and grass/herbaceous coverage. Areas nearer to roads and trails, dominated by native grass/herbaceous species, and with a low elevation and canopy closure are highly susceptible to tallow invasion and establishment. The effect of fire on tallow invasion varies with overstory and understory conditions. Density of tallow seedlings and saplings increased greatly after fire in the areas dominated by slash pines in the overstory and native grass/herbaceous species in the understory. To control tallow invasion and establishment, tallow seed trees/sources should be removed from the area and vicinity to be burned.

Heterogeneous vanadium-catalyzed oxidative cleavage of olefins for sustainable synthesis of carboxylic acids.

The development of green and sustainable processes to synthesize active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting materials is a priority for the pharmaceutical industry. A green and sustainable protocol for the oxidative cleavage of olefins to produce pharmaceutically and biologically valuable carboxylic acids is achieved. The developed protocol involves 70% aq. TBHP as an oxidant over a heterogeneous vanadium catalyst system. Notably, the synthesis of industrially important azelaic acid from various renewable vegetable oils is accomplished. The catalyst could be recycled for up to 5 cycles without significant loss in yield and the protocol was successfully demonstrated at the gram-scale.

Modeling spatial variations of the invasibility of slash pine flatwoods to Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) invasion: Mechanisms and key factors at the microscale

Protecting endangered slash pine (Pinus elliottii) flatwood ecosystems from the invasion of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) a community-transforming invasive tree species is of critical, regional importance to the biota of the Gulf Coastal Plain. We developed a conceputal model to decipher the mechanism of tallow invasion at the microscale based on the community assembly theory, modeling the spatial variations of invasibility of slash pine flatwoods to Chinese tallow using a spatially-explicit point process model. A set of idenitified factors (filters) including the nearest distance to roads and seed sources (dispersal filters), canopy closure and pine: hardwood ratio (overstory filters), and grass cover and microtopography (understory filters) as well as tallow abundance and distribution (input for the model) were measured within 281 contiguous 30 m2 quadrats with a total area of 0.86-ha in a slash pine flatwood. The identified filters vary spatially and affect tallow invasion in a nonlinear “concave down” manner. Additive polynomial functions of these identified filters provide a viable approach to model the spatial variations of tallow invasion probability (invasibility). The full models which include all filters, as well as the sub-models which include only the dispersal filters and either of the overstory and understory filters, appear to have an adequate predictive power based on R2, RSE and skewness as well as the scatter- and qq-plots. In contrast, the sub-models that include only one of the filters failed to precisely predict the observed invasion outcomes. The results support the importance of dispersal filters and reducing propagule pressure levels for effective tallow control and slowing of spread.