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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proliferation of invasive species is displacing native species, occupying their habitats and degrading biodiversity. One of these is the invasive goldenrod (Solidago spp.), characterized by aggressive growth that results in habitat disruption as it outcompetes native plants. This invasiveness also leads to altered soil composition through the release of allelopathic chemicals, complicating control efforts and making it challenging to maintain ecological balance in affected areas. The research goal was to develop methods that allow the analysis of changes in heterogeneous habitats with high accuracy and repeatability. For this reason, we used open source classifiers Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and satellite images of Sentinel-2 (free) and PlanetScope (commercial) to assess their potential in goldenrod classification. Due to the fact that invasions begin with invasion footholds, created by small patches of invasive, autochthonous plants and different land cover patterns (asphalt, concrete, buildings) forming heterogeneous areas, we based our studies on field-verified polygons, which allowed the selection of randomized pixels for the training and validation of iterative classifications. The results confirmed that the optimal solution is the use of multitemporal Sentinel-2 images and the RF classifier, as this combination gave F1-score accuracy of 0.92–0.95 for polygons dominated by goldenrod and 0.85–0.89 for heterogeneous areas where goldenrod was in the minority (mix class; smaller share of goldenrod in canopy than autochthonous plants). The mean decrease in the accuracy analysis (MDA), indicating an informativeness of individual spectral bands, showed that Sentinel-2 bands coastal aerosol, NIR, green, SWIR, and red were comparably important, while in the case of PlanetScope data, the NIR and red were definitely the most important, and remaining bands were less informative, and yellow (B5) did not contribute significant information even during the flowering period, when the plant was covered with intensely yellow perianth, and red-edge, coastal aerosol, or green II were much more important. The maximum RF classification values of Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope images for goldenrod are similar (F1-score > 0.9), but the medians are lower for PlanetScope data, especially with the SVM algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity and can have severe economic and social impacts. The complexity of this problem challenges effective management of invasive alien species as the contribution of many factors involved in the invasion processes across different spatial scales is not well understood.Here, we identify the most important determinants associated with the occurrence of two invasive alien plants, the North American goldenrods (Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea), commonly found in agricultural landscapes of Europe. We used Google Street View images to perform a remote, large‐scale inventory of goldenrods along 1347 roadside transects across Poland. Using open access geospatial data and machine learning techniques, we investigated the relative role of nearly 50 variables potentially affecting the distribution of studied species at five spatial scales (from within 0.25 to 5 km of the studied locations).We found that the occurrence of goldenrods along roadsides was simultaneously associated with multiple drivers among which those related to human impacts, climate, soil properties and landscape structure were the most important, while local characteristics, such as road parameters or the presence of other alien plants were less influential. However, the relative contribution of different variables in predicting goldenrod distribution changed across spatial scales.Synthesis: Mechanisms underlying plant invasions are highly complex and a number of factors can jointly influence the outcomes of this process. However, since different invasion drivers operate at different spatial scales, some important associations may be overlooked when focusing on a single spatial context. Although associations were consistent in direction (positive or negative) across scales, their relative influence on goldenrod occurrence often changed. Socio‐economic factors were largely important at local scales, while the effect of landscape factors broadly increased with increasing spatial scale. We highlight that using multi‐scale approaches involving a wide range of variables may enable setting priorities for the management of invasive alien plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high environmental importance of invasive goldenrod has prompted research to find potential benefits that can be derived from these species. This study aimed to identify differences in root phenolic profiles among five Solidago species, thus providing valuable information on their potential applications and the botanical origin of the raw material. The roots of native S. virgaurea L., two alien species S. gigantea Aiton and S. canadensis L. and their hybrids S. ×niederederi Khek and S. ×snarskisii Gudž. & Žaln. were sampled from mixed-species stands in Lithuania. A complex of twelve phenolic acids and their derivatives was identified and quantified in methanol–water root extracts using the HPLC-PDA and LC/MS systems. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed by ABTS. The chemical content of the roots of S. virgaurea, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi were statistically similar, while the roots of S. canadensis and S. ×snarskisii contained lower amounts of compounds than the other species. The PCA score-plot models of the phenolic profiles only partially confirmed the identification of S. ×niederederi and S. ×snarskisii as crosses between native and alien species. The findings from the phenolic profiles and the observed radical-scavenging activity of root extracts of Solidago species provide valuable insights into their potential applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root exudates of the invasive Solidago canadensis and the cereal crop Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv. 'Hybridsorgo' were tested for allelopathic interactions against native and invasive plant species in a controlled environment. After the surface was sterilized, the seeds of two invasive species (Bromus sterilis and Veronica persica) and two native species (Youngia japonica and Rumex acetosa) were germinated and transplanted into the soil (1:1 mixture of coco peat and sand) that had been conditioned for one month by the cultivation of Solidago canadensis and Sorghum bicolor, both in combination or as unplanted controls. After an additional eight weeks of growth, morphometric measurements of the shoot and root, including foliar characteristics and above- and below-ground biomass accumulation, were performed. The results revealed significant inhibitory effects of root exudates released by Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis on native species' productivity and physiology. The invasive species exhibited variable growth responses, with Veronica persica showing reduced shoot and root expansion, but Bromus sterilis revealed increased shoot and root biomass allocation and nutrition under the exudate treatments. Exudates from Solidago canadensis and Sorghum bicolor together showed synergistic negative effects on native species, while they promoted growth and nutrition in Veronica persica. Taken together, the differential species responses indicate that the tested native species were more sensitive to the allelopathic compounds than the invasive species, which is in line with the theory of novel weapons. The legacy effects of root exudates of both Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis could promote invasive establishment through imposing allelochemical interference competition against native plant species. Understanding the specific allelopathic mechanisms may help with the development of integrated strategies for managing invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing products with a shorter lifespan, such as packaging and graphic products, sustainability and circular economy are particularly important. The use of an alternative fiber source for papermaking, such as collected biomass from invasive alien plant species (IAPS), is a good example of sustainable natural resource management, where IAPS are seen as a potential source of various new products. The aim of the present study was to analyze the printability of paper made from the IAPS Goldenrod. CMYK prints were made using inkjet digital technology, and their print quality was determined. IAPS Goldenrod paper, with its natural brownish color, low gloss, high voluminosity, high surface roughness and porosity, shows inferior print quality compared to recycled office paper. In order to improve the printability of this paper, surface coating using three different wet film depositions was applied. The results indicate that the smallest coat weight used suppresses the color and inferior properties of IAPS Goldenrod paper efficiently, resulting in similar printability for both the analyzed papers. Only a small difference in print quality between coated IAPS Goldenrod and recycled paper was determined, suggesting that low-value, non-demanding graphic products and packaging could be made from the coated IAPS Goldenrod paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweden's fauna and flora are constantly changing. Humans have not only deliberately promoted and introduced new species in horticulture, agriculture and forestry, they have also acted as a vector for the introduction of alien species through, for example, transportation and food. When these species spread rapidly and affect biodiversity, they are deemed 'invasive alien species'. This artistic research project explores and articulates how humans, as part of a system where nature and culture meet, affect complex functioning ecosystems through the movement of species. The starting point is the iconic elm tree and how its cultural and natural ecosystems have been wiped out in large parts of Europe by the invasive fungus Ophistoma novo ulmi. With the extinction of the elm come ecological and cultural losses. Those losses are examined and interpreted in this work, in a dialogue with nature and with people. At the same time, another species is explored, the Canadian goldenrod, which, unlike the elm, is expanding rapidly. With these explorations, life stories about the elm will be created not only for our collective memory, but also for speculation about what happens when a new and invasive alien species, such as the Canadian goldenrod, spreads. The form of my narrative is based in materials, crafts and objects. It is primarily the objects and the process that are the carriers of the stories. As a ceramicist, I use clay as a sketching material, binder and a tool for documentation. These species, the elm and the goldenrod, constitute the materiality that are part of the exploration and creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive plant species, Solidago canadensis, often shares a common mycorrhizal network (CMN) with native plant species in southeast China. We ask whether the transfer of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) among the invasive S. canadensis, the native Kummerowia striata and their CMN could contribute to the invasiveness of S. canadensis.We conducted a microcosm experiment in which a CMN was established on S. canadensis and K. striata. We used 13CO2 pulse‐labelling to quantify the relative contribution of recently fixed C from the two host species to the CMN. We also calculated the relative N distribution to each host species from the CMN.We found that 89% of the recently fixed C in the CMN originated from S. canadensis, while 11% originated from K. striata. We also found that the CMN distributed 77% of the N it absorbed to S. canadensis and 23% to K. striata.Our results suggest that the unequal distribution of N from a CMN to the invasive and native plant species is related to the unequal contribution of C from the plant species. This mechanism could contribute to invasion of native communities by alien species when there is a stoichiometric exchange of limiting nutrients for C, and when alien species contribute more C to the CMN than natives. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy is an important factor influencing whether an invasive plant species can become successfully established in a new range through disrupting the germination and growth of native plant species. Goldenrods (Solidago species) are one of the most widespread invasive taxa in Central Europe of North American origin. Owing to their high environmental impact and wide distribution range, invasive Solidago species should be controlled in Europe, and the areas invaded by them should be restored. Numerous studies have reported the allelopathic effects of Solidago gigantea and Solidago canadensis, but the results are inconsistent regarding differences in the allelopathic effects of particular plant parts and in the sensitivity to Solidago allelopathic effects among native species as well as between the two invasive species themselves. In this study, we aimed to analyse the effect of water extracts from S. canadensis and S. gigantea parts (roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, and inflorescences) on the germination and initial growth of seedlings of 13 grassland species that typically grow in Central Europe. The tested grassland species differed in susceptibility to Solidago allelopathy, with the most resistant species being Schedonorus pratensis, Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense, Daucus carota and Leucanthemum vulgare. The inhibitory effect of 10% water extracts from leaves and flowers were stronger than those from rhizomes, roots, and stems without leaves, regardless of the Solidago species. Our study results imply that reducing the allelopathic effect of Solidago during habitat restoration requires removal of the aboveground parts, including fallen leaves. The allelopathic effects of roots and rhizomes seem to be of secondary importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions of exotic plant species affect nutrient cycling, soil characteristics, ecosystem stability, and biodiversity. Therefore, management measures to protect the ecosystem and native species against invasive species are becoming more important. The tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima L., is an invasive alien plant with currently limited distribution on Jeju island, South Korea, while successfully invading areas with similar climates in China and Japan. Therefore, it has a high possibility of invasion and may have an adverse effect on the ecosystem of Jeju Island. This study aimed to develop an environmentally friendly management strategy to control S. altissima while understanding the major factor that makes the difference of invasion success between Japan and Jeju island. Plant communities were monitored and allelopathic effects of S. altissima were tested. Furthermore, the effectiveness of mowing at varying frequencies and timing for the control of S. altissima were applied. S. altissima already dominates several plant communities on Jeju Island, harms the plant community via allelopathy, and reduces biodiversity. However, our study shows that mowing is an effective method to control S. altissima populations. Mowing inhibits early invasion of S. altissima and also reduces dominance and reproductive features of S. altissima where invasion has already been processed. Therefore, mowing should be adopted for the management of S. altissima invasion. Mowing is an environmentally friendly management method for the control of S. altissima and could be applied to other invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species usually grow in human-disturbed habitats including urban areas where they face numerous pollutants, including metals that attract special attention due to their non-degradability and high accumulation potential. In this study we evaluated the contents of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the invasive species Solidago gigantea. The strategy adopted by S. gigantea in response to excess trace metals in the soil was assessed. Metal contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry in leaves, stems and roots of S. gigantea collected from 30 sites located in areas affected by various human activities. Metal concentrations (total and bioavailable fraction) were also determined in corresponding soil samples. Results showed that S. gigantea was able to inhabit strongly polluted sites. High Bioaccumulation Factor but low Translocation Factor values for Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni show that S. gigantea takes up metals from soil but reduces their transport to the aboveground parts and could be classified as a metal-tolerant species with exclusion strategy. The Bioaccumulation Factor values for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn were remarkably higher in plants growing in areas characterized by low metal concentrations in soil compared to the ones affected by industry, with high metal concentrations. This suggests that S. gigantea that grows in polluted areas can reduce the uptake of potentially toxic metals. Regardless of the limited transport of metals to the aboveground organs, the content of metals in S. gigantea leaves differed between areas differing in human impact and the species can be used as a biomonitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) is a serious invasive alien plant species that exerts negative effects on natural and agricultural ecosystems in China. Few studies have addressed the dispersal of S. canadensis to explain how it rapidly spreads to large areas over long distances. Here, we quantify the dispersal of S. canadensis via wind by capturing in situ−stained diaspores. The diaspores were trapped and counted along 11 radiating transects from the center of a dispersal source. Solidago canadensis diaspores could be dispersed in all directions from the source, traveling longer distances and in greater amounts in the downwind direction than the upwind one. With a source including about 58 million diaspores and a wind speed at Beaufort scale 4, the dispersal distance in the prevailing wind direction (PWD) was at least 2000 m. Diaspores shattered at a rate of approximately 3% daily with the common wind speed of scale 4, indicating that dispersal could last for more than a month. A mechanistic model was used to fit the dispersal curve along the PWD. Although the model slightly underestimated long−distance dispersal, it still demonstrated the potential of long−distance dispersal with great source strength. Wind−dispersed diaspores to new areas persisted over winter and were able to form new plants at a density of about 2 plants per m2 at 500 m away from the source. Further experiments showed that the dispersed amount of S. canadensis diaspores was significantly positively correlated with the temperature and wind speed, but significantly negatively correlated with relative humidity, which indicated that, during a day, the maximum dispersal usually occurred in the afternoon when the temperature was the highest and the relative humidity the lowest. In addition, for an already existent population patch, the patch range can expand 2−4 m per year, mainly depending on the seedlings recruited from the rhizomes. These results provide insights into the long−distance dispersal of S. canadensis by wind and its effects on the range expansion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species are among the most concerning threats to native biodiversity world‐wide, and the level of landscape heterogeneity is considered to affect spatial patterns of their occurrence and spread. However, as previous studies on these associations report contrasting results, the role of landscape heterogeneity on its susceptibility to invasions remains poorly understood. Landscape heterogeneity is usually described by two measures: configuration and composition. Both measures may differently affect invasive species and these impacts may be additionally scale dependent. Nevertheless, their relative contribution to invasion patterns is poorly known.We investigated the effect of two landscape heterogeneity components: configuration (edge density) and composition (number and evenness of land cover types) measured at different spatial scales (from within 0.25 to 5 km of the studied locations) on the local abundance of one of the most invasive alien plant species in Europe, the North American goldenrods (Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea). Using publicly available geospatial environmental data and a novel method based on remote analysis of Google Street View images, we collected and analysed large dataset on goldenrod occurrence along 1,347 roadside transects in agricultural landscapes of Poland.Both the compositional and configurational heterogeneity were positively associated with the local abundance of goldenrods, however, the effect size of these relationships was dependent on spatial scale. While abundance–heterogeneity associations were most pronounced at the largest spatial scale for compositional heterogeneity, the pattern was the opposite for configurational heterogeneity.Synthesis and applications. Landscape heterogeneity is a clear correlate of plant invasion potential, with occurrences of invasive plants generally higher in more heterogeneous landscapes. However, scale dependence of this association means that researchers and practitioners may miss the association if only concentrating on a single spatial scale. While increasing heterogeneity of rural landscapes is widely introduced as a way to promote farmland biodiversity, we show that it may also support invasive plants, and thus conflict with original goals of biodiversity‐oriented strategies. Therefore, we suggest implementing regular management and eradication schemes in most heterogeneous landscapes. Finally, we demonstrate how remote analysis of plant invasions using existing imagery can advance our understanding of invasion biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasion mechanism of Solidago canadensis L., been extensively investigated as its one of the most destructive exotic invasive plants. The present study showed that allelopathy is beneficial to the successful invasion of invasive alien species (IAS). However, the main allelopathic part of S. canadensis L. is less known to the researchers. Therefore, we experimented with the allelopathic effects of extracts obtained from various parts of S. canadensis L. (root, litter, aboveground parts) at concentrations of 50 g L -1 and 150 g L-1 on seed germination and seedling growth of Zoysia japonica Steud. The results showed that the extract from the S. canadensis L. aboveground parts had prominent inhibition effects on Zoysiagrass seed germination rate, germination potential, vigour value, root length and plant height, and the suppression increased significantly at high concentrations. With the treatment of aqueous extract from the aboveground parts of S. canadensis L. (50 g L-1 ), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and peroxidase (POD) activity increased significantly. The root extract at the concentration of 50 g L-1 did not affect the parameters except POD activity, but the concentration of 150 g L-1 inhibited all the parameters significantly except catalase (CAT) activity. Litter aqueous extracts did not show any significant effect on any parameters of Zoysia japonica Steud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions among native and invasive species may affect management outcomes and goals. We implemented different mowing regimes to control the invasive Solidago gigantea and restore natural diversity, and also examined interactions between Solidago and a European native competitor, Tanacetum vulgare in the context of these regimes. Experimentally planted Tanacetum suppressed Solidago by 79% without management, and a suite of mowing management regimes reduced the density of Solidago by 80–98% when Tanacetum was absent. But, when Tanacetum was added, the density of the invader was not reduced by mowing. Put another way, in mowed plots with Tanacetum, Solidago was twofold to over fivefold denser than in mowed plots without Tanacetum. It is not clear why the effect of Tanacetum shifted from competition in the absence of disturbance to facilitation with intense management‐associated disturbance, but other studies suggest that Tanacetum may create plant–soil feedbacks that favor Solidago. Evidence shows similar shifts from competition to facilitation under mowing regimes for other species, but these are not mechanistically clear either. We speculate that mowing reduced competition from Tanacetum while leaving belowground facilitative effects unchanged, shifting the net effect of Tanacetum to facilitation. When single‐year mowed plots were abandoned for just 1 year, Solidago was twofold denser than in the control, thus maintaining treatments over time was important for successful management. Our results indicate that mechanical control may substantially alter biotic resistance gained from native competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species frequently differentiate phenotypically in novel environments within a few generations, often even with limited genetic variation. For the invasive plants Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea, we tested whether such differentiation might have occurred through heritable epigenetic changes in cytosine methylation. In a 2‐year common‐garden experiment, we grew plants from seeds collected along a latitudinal gradient in their non‐native Central European range to test for trait differentiation and whether differentiation disappeared when seeds were treated with the demethylation agent zebularine. Microsatellite markers revealed no population structure along the latitudinal gradient in S. canadensis, but three genetic clusters in S. gigantea. Solidago canadensis showed latitudinal clines in flowering phenology and growth. In S. gigantea, the number of clonal offspring decreased with latitude. Although zebularine had a significant effect on early growth, probably through effects on cytosine methylation, latitudinal clines remained (or even got stronger) in plants raised from seeds treated with zebularine. Thus, our experiment provides no evidence that epigenetic mechanisms by selective cytosine methylation contribute to the observed phenotypic differentiation in invasive goldenrods in Central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) can distinctly inhibit seed germination and seedling growth performance (SGeSGrP) of indigenous species via the allelopathy. The progressively increased drought stress can potentially affect the allelopathy of IAS. Thus, it is significant to illustrate the allelopathy of IAS on SGeSGrP of indigenous species under drought stress to obtain a deeper elucidation for the main driving mechanism attributed to the successful invasion. This study attempts to identify the allelopathy of IAS Solidago canadensis L. (goldenrod; using leaf extracts) on SGeSGrP of the indigenous species Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) under drought stress [mimicked by Polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG 6000)]. Goldenrod leaf extracts (low concentration) obviously reduced seed germination performance of lettuce but goldenrod leaf extracts (high concentration) notably reduced seedling growth performance of lettuce. Goldenrod leaf extracts (low concentration) also interestingly awarded an optimistic effect on the competitive ability for sunlight acquisition as well as water and inorganic salt acquisition, plant growing ability, and plant water content of lettuce. PEG 6000 dramatically inhibited the competitive ability for sunlight acquisition as well as water and inorganic salt acquisition of lettuce. PEG 6000 also noticeably enhanced the allelopathy of goldenrod leaf extracts on the germination speed and vitality, competitive ability for sunlight acquisition as well as water and inorganic salt acquisition, leaf photosynthetic area, and plant growing ability of lettuce. Thus, drought stress may be advantageous to the advance of goldenrod invasion process mainly via the oppressed SGeSGrP of indigenous species mediated by the enhanced allelopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of invasive alien species (IAS) can trigger distinct allelopathy on the seed germination and seedling growth (SGeSGr) of native plant species (NPS) mainly through the released allelochemicals. However, the decomposition process of IAS litters may affect their allelopathy on SGeSGr of NPS because part of the allelochemicals will be released during the litter decomposition process, especially under heavy metal pollution. This study focuses on the impacts of the litter decomposition process of the notorious IAS Solidago canadensis L. on its allelopathy on SGeSGr of NPS Lactuca sativa L. under cadmium (Cd) pollution. The decomposition process signally declines the allelopathy of S. canadensis litters on SGeSGr of L. sativa likely because partial allelochemicals in S. canadensis litters discharged during the decomposition process. Cd addition noticeably rises the allelopathy of S. canadensis litters on SGeSGr of L. sativa probably because Cd can reduce plant growth largely via the improved lipid membrane permeability and the induced reactive oxygen molecules which is unfavorable to plant cell metabolism. This phenomenon may also be attributed to the weak acid properties of one of the most abundant allelochemicals in S. canadensis litters, i.e., phenolics (particularly polyphenols), can improve the solubility and the toxicity of Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensis belongs to highly invasive species in Europe, it is established in ruderal, semi-natural and natural communities. To test the traits related to invasiveness, the experiment with the potential of allelopathic compounds produced by the species was conducted. The aqueous extract from the goldenrod leaves was used to examine the germination and early stages of development of Trifolium pratense, the species as an example of fodder plant common in meadows and pastures. Three types of aqueous extract were used: decoction, infusion, and macerate. All extracts of Canadian goldenrod had a negative influence on the germination process of red clover, however, the effect changed in time and type of extract. The most inhibiting influence was documented for the macerate type of aqueous extract. Similarly, the negative influence of macerate was the highest for the length and weight of the seedlings, the content of chlorophyll a and b, and electrolyte leakage. As the procedure of obtaining the macerate is the most like the process of natural extraction of allelopathic substances in nature, there is the practical conclusion to remove the moved biomass of the goldenrod during the restoration process of areas colonised by the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of heavy metals have been released into the environment. Thus, the allelopathic effects of invasive alien species on the germination performance of cooccurring indigenous species may be altered or even heightened with the rapid growth in heavy metal pollution. • This study evaluated the impacts of Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) leaf extracts at concentrations of 0, 10 or 20 gl 1 on the germination of lettuce under different forms of heavy metal pollution (Cu2+, Pb2+ or a combination of Cu2+ and Pb2+; 35 mgl 1) during incubation in Petri dishes for 10 days. • Goldenrod leaf extracts (high concentration) reduced growth of aboveground and belowground parts of lettuce as well as competition for light and soil nutrients. However, low concentrations of goldenrod leaf extracts dramatically improved growth of lettuce roots, competition for light, soil nutrient availability, leaf photosynthetic area and growth competitiveness. The combination of goldenrod leaf extracts and heavy metal pollution was synergistic on most lettuce germination parameters, probably because high concentrations of goldenrod leaf extracts together with heavy metal pollution had a synergistic negative impact on lettuce germination. • Consequently, increased levels of heavy metal pollution may favour invasion of invasive alien species while largely suppressing germination of indigenous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Solidago, the pappus, a modified calyx, protects ovary and fruit from predation and is strongly involved in anemochory. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the mechanical removal of pappus decreases the final percentage and speed of seed germination. We examined S. ×niederederi, a natural hybrid between invasive S. canadensis and native S. virgaurea, in comparison to its parental species and S. gigantea. We conducted a 21-day germination test in the laboratory, using 50 fruits with intact pappus and 50 fruits with removed pappus in four replicates, for each taxon. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the final percentage of germinated seeds was remarkably lower in the group of fruits with removed pappus in S. canadensis (p ≤ 0.05) and S. gigantea (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the speed of seed germination was also significantly lower after pappus removal in S. canadensis and S. gigantea, based on the Timson's index (p ≤ 0.05). In the case of S. ×niederederi and S. virgaurea, the hypothesis was rejected. We assumed that the small size of the cypselae could be responsible for the negative effect of pappus removal on seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some invasive plant species rapidly evolve greater size and/or competitive ability in their nonnative ranges. However, it is not well known whether these traits transfer back to the native range, or instead represent genotype‐by‐environment interactions where traits are context specific to communities in the new range where the evolution occurred. Insight into transferability vs. context specificity can be tested using experiments performed with individuals from populations from the native and nonnative ranges of exotic invasive species. Using a widespread invasive plant species in Europe, Solidago gigantea, we established reciprocal common garden experiments in the native range (Montana, North America; n = 4) and the nonnative range (Hungary, Europe; n = 4) to assess differences in size, vegetative shoot number, and herbivory between populations from the native and nonnative ranges. In a greenhouse experiment, we also tested whether the inherent competitive ability of genotypes from 15 native and 15 invasive populations differed when pitted against 11 common native North American competitors. In common gardens, plants from both ranges considered together produced five times more biomass, grew four times taller, and developed five times more rhizomes in the nonnative range garden compared to the native range garden. The interaction between plant origin and the common garden location was highly significant, with plants from Hungary performing better than plants from Montana when grown in Hungary, and plants from Montana performing better than plants from Hungary when grown in Montana. In the greenhouse, there were no differences in the competitive effects and responses of S. gigantea plants from the two ranges when grown with North American natives. Our results suggest that S. gigantea might have undergone rapid evolution for greater performance abroad, but if so, this response does not translate to greater performance at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Plant invasion initiates with the establishment of an alien species population that begins interacting with the existing community in the invaded habitat. Competitive ability may confer advantage to invasive species during establishment. Autopolyploidy has been shown to significantly contribute to successful invasion of China by Solidago canadensis that is native to North America. But how polyploidization improves competitive ability and determines the dominance of invasive species when competing with a plant community in the introduced range remains unclear. Here, we manipulated the initial plant composition of plowed land and subsequently allowed natural colonization by S. canadensis in a five‐year common garden experiment. Diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid populations collected in North America (native range) and East Asia (introduced range) were separately planted and allowed to compete with associated weeds in individual plots. The diversity and compositional variation of the plant communities and the growth characteristics of S. canadensis were investigated in summer and autumn each year. Based on how the community assembled, three outcomes were found: 1) S. canadensis outcompeted local vegetation: tetraploids and hexaploids from the introduced range outcompeted associated weeds and were dominant at equilibrium; 2) S. canadensis coexisted with local vegetation: hexaploids from the native range were competitive but ultimately could not outcompete the local vegetation; and 3) S. canadensis became extinct: diploids from both the native and introduced ranges and tetraploids from the native range went extinct. Concomitantly, diversity was low in the first group and high in the second and third. Therefore, polyploidization contributes to the pre differentiation of competitive ability among native S. canadensis populations, facilitatating the invasion of China by this species. The competitive ability of polyploids was enhanced through possible rapid post introduction evolution after their introduction into China, which could be the crucial factor for successful invasion by S. canadensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensis L. was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant from North America in 1645 and began to spread during the XIX-XX centuries. Nowadays the species is considered the most aggressive invasive species. On the other hand, S. canadensis is considered to be a medicinal plant. The raw material known as Herba Solidaginis includes herbs of S. canadensis, S. gigantea, and S. virgaurea. These species are known for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic properties. The purpose of our study was to analyze the chemical compounds and some biological properties of S. canadensis, growing in Slovakia, to evaluate its therapeutic potential. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts from aerial parts of S. canadensis was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The evaluation of total flavonoid content (TFC) was performed by using a spectrophotometric method. The flavonoids content was expressed as rutin equivalents (mg REs) per g DW vegetal product. The phytochemical profile of S. canadensis extracts was assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The radical scavenging activity of samples was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Reducing power of extracts was determined by the phosphomolybdenum method. Total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the extracts varied from 204.19 to 293.43 mg GAE.g-1 DW, and 64.99 - 175.25 g QE.g-1 DW, respectively; the best results were obtained for ethanol extract. Some phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC with significant amounts of rutin (211.20 µg.mL-1), quercetin (122.08 µg.mL-1), quercitrin (102.50 µg.mL-1) and chlorogenic acid (147.00 µg.mL-1). The DPPH values in the inflorescences were higher than in the leaves: the antioxidant activity of leaf extracts was in the range from 5.34 to 17.16 mg TE.g-1, for inflorescences, this parameter ranged from 6.09 to 19.87 mg TE.g-1. The high total phenolic compounds and flavonoids can be used as a valuable source of phytochemicals in herbal remedies. Our study of S. canadensis, growing in Slovakia, shows the promising potential that can be evaluated as an effective antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High phenotypic plasticity contributes to invasiveness of alien species. Goldenrods of American origin (Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea and Euthamia graminifolia) have successfully invaded Europe, and this success can be related to their high phenotypic plasticity. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis of higher phenotypic plasticity of invasive goldenrods by comparing them with native taxa: closely related Solidago virgaurea and similar ecologically, invasive in other regions Tanacetum vulgare. The species studied were grown in a common garden on three different substrates with different fertilizers. After 3 years, the height and number of ramets, biomass production and allocation, phenology and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) were measured. The highest level of phenotypic plasticity was exhibited by the competitively weak native species S. virgaurea. The invasive species produced relatively high biomass and exhibited a moderate level of phenotypic plasticity. Variability in the studied traits did not always correlate with differences in substrates. The invasion success of non‐native goldenrods is not caused by their having a higher phenotypic plasticity than native species. Rather, the non‐natives should be considered as "Jack of all traits, and master of some". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities of alien species-transformers able to slow down regenerative successions have been studied. The succession inhibition process was researched through the example of Solidago canadensis L. and Acer negundo L. Fallow and waste lands featuring edaphotopes with nonextreme moisture, pH, and nitrogen richness levels are typical habitats of communities of alien species-transformers. The overwhelming majority of identified phytocoenoses with the predominance of alien transformers are associated with old anthropogenic landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metcalfa pruinosa (Say 1830) known as citrus flatid plant-hopper, is native from eastern North America, an invasive species that extends its area from the south - eastern Canada to Florida (Mead, 2014), spreading later to other continents such as: Central America and Caribbean, South America, Asia and Europe (Strauss, 2010). We proposed to test the chemical efficacy of five insecticides (Calypso 480 SC 0,5%, Movento 100SC 0,2%, Nurelle D 50/500 EC 0,2%, Karate Zeon 0,5%, Mavrik 2F 0,5%, used against mobile forms (adults and larvae) of the species Metcalfa priunosa, the treatments being carried out on following plants: Inula sp., Salvia sp., Iris sp., Solidago canadensis, Helianthus tuberosus, Prunus cerasifera, Amorpha fruticosa, Yucca filamentosa from the "Al. Buia" Botanical Garden. Following the application of the treatments and the 2 weeks in which it was monitored their effect , the most effective product proved to be Nurelle D 50/500 EC with a 100% efficiency in the first 24 hours, followed by Karate Zeon and Mavrik 2F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential distribution area of Solidago ×niederederi, a natural hybrid between North American S. canadensis and European S. virgaurea, in Central and East Europe using the MAXENT modeling approach. The final MAXENT model was constructed based on 83 occurrence records from Austria, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia and six abiotic environmental variables. The jackknife test revealed that annual temperature range, mean temperature of wettest quarter, and minimum temperature of coldest month had the highest gain for the training and test data when used alone, whereas precipitation seasonality, precipitation of coldest quarter, and precipitation of warmest quarter reduced the gain the most when excluded from the model and thus contributed the most information not presented with the other variables. A high probability of occurrence (>0.6) for S. ×niederederi was found in 12 countries, namely Austria, Belarus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast), Slovenia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Our results showed in which areas the hybrid may be established under the European temperate climatic conditions; however, we do not indicate which areas exactly may be under invasion by the hybrid because such a statement needs population dynamic data for proper investigation. To prevent the negative impact of S. ×niederederi on native S. virgaurea (i.e. competition for pollinators and introgression) we suggest that it should be controlled first in areas of high probability of occurrence, especially in Lithuania, Kaliningrad Oblast, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria, where the areas of high probability of hybrid occurrence account for more than 5% of the territory concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration of heavy metal-polluted and heavy metal-degraded sites has remained a global challenge despite the existence of numerous conventional physico-chemical techniques that can be applied. Application of the inexpensive "green" and sustainable technique of phytoremediation is unrivalled. Because invasive plants can survive in harsh conditions and they represent big threat for natural biodiversity, the knowledge about their ecology in polluted sites is still important. This study aimed to investigate the potential phytoremediation ability of invasive species of Solidago genus in the polluted area in Slovakia. The elements tested were Cd, Cu, Pb and Cr in the soil samples, as well as in the plant material. Samples to obtain heavy metal concentration were determined using by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) were also calculated. As expected, in the polluted areas that are located close to the source of pollution, the limit values of the heavy metals exceeded several times. Cr, Cu and especially Pb were the elements removed most efficiently by different parts of the plant material (mainly by the plant leaves and root material). Based on the BCF and TF, Solidago genus might be considered as potential accumulator of Pb, Cu and Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alien flora of Montenegro is enlarged by 5 new species: Coreopsis tinctoria, Ipomoea indica, Lupinus × regalis, Physalis angulata, and Solidago canadensis. All species are grown as ornamentals, and thus horticulture is considered the most possible pathway for their introduction. Nevertheless, in the case of Physalis angulata, the occurrence might have originated in the remains of picnic meals. In order to define the alien status of these species, monitoring is needed, and thus we propose including the species on the National List of Indicators in environmental protection. Special attention should be paid to the species with invasive potentials: Solidago canadensis, Ipomoea indica and Physalis angulata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with Solidago ×snarskisii, a natural hybrid between the North American S. gigantea and the European S. virgaurea, as a new casual alien species to the flora of Poland. It was found in August 2018 in the town of Suwałki, NE Poland, growing on a fallow land among its parental species. The population of the hybrid consisted of one cluster of shoots, including four generative and three vegetative shoots, and it was associated with meadow, grassland, and ruderal plant species. The locality of S. ×snarskisii in Poland was mapped using the ATPOL cartogram method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated mowing is considered as one of the effective control methods against species of the genus Solidago. This paper evaluates the impact of the repeated mowing on selected morphometric and productive characteristics of the invasive neophyte Solidago canadensis in the district of Rimavská Sobota in Central Slovakia. Permanent research plots (PRPs) were established within anthropogenic habitat on an abandoned land that was divided into two variants. In the first variant, the mechanical regulation - mowing was applied. The second variant was without the regulation. The mechanical regulation of the populations was carried out in June and August during the growing season 2011. The results showed that the mechanical regulation did not have a clear impact on the population density. The decreasing trend of the number of shoots within the mowed variant was found only in one research plot (PRP3). The other plots showed an increase in the number of individuals by 2.7 and 32.7% between the mowings. Statistically highly significant differences in terms of the mowing impact on the height of the individuals were found in all PRPs. The difference in the weight of dry aboveground biomass between the mowings was 221.87 g, which represents 36.41%. Double the difference (48.8%) was recorded in the dry weight of the underground biomass in the regulated stand compared with the unregulated stand (165.1 and 322.5 g/m2, respectively). Although there was a short-term success achieved by the application of the two mowings during the growing period, the pursued objective was not reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Plant--soil interaction (PsI) has been implicated as a causative mechanism promoting plant invasions, and some mechanisms underlying PsI effects remain unclear. Here, we attempted to address how altered soil microbes and nutrients influence PsI effects. Methods soil was cultured by an invasive forb Solidago canadensis for two years. We conducted an experiment, in which S. canadensis and Chinese natives were grown either alone or together in control and cultured soils, and determined the growth of S. canadensis and five natives and the competitive ability of S. canadensis. We analyzed the microbial community composition and nutrients of two types of soils. Important Findings Compared to the control soil, the soil cultured by S. canadensis decreased the subsequent growth of S. canadensis and five Chinese natives, as well as the competitive ability of S. canadensis against Chinese natives. soil microbial community composition was significantly altered due to soil culturing. Total fatty acids, bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria had no responses to soil culturing; fungi, aerobic bacteria and fungi/bacteria ratio significantly decreased with soil culturing; anaerobes and gram-negative/positive bacteria ratio greatly increased with soil culturing. soil nitrogen (N) dramatically decreased with soil culturing, whereas soil phosphorus (P) was unchanged. These results suggest that negative PsI effects may be linked to decreases in soil fungi, aerobic bacteria and soil N and increases in soil anaerobic bacteria and the ratio of gram-negative/positive bacteria. our findings provide an initial indication that S. canadensis--soil interaction alone could exhibit limited contributions to its success in the early stage of invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Basic & Applied Ecology is the property of Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the study was to determine allelopathic potential of inva-sive species giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Ait.) on germination and initial growth crops (carrot, barley, coriander) and weed species velvetleaf (.Abutilón theophrasti Med.) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions to determine effect of water extracts in petri dish bioassay and in pots with soil. Water extracts from dry aboveground biomass of S. gigantea in concentrations of 1,5 and 10% were investigated. In petri dish bioassay, all extract con-centrations showed allelopathic effect on germination and seedling growth of crops with reduction over 25 and 60%, respectively. Both weed species germination and growth were greatly suppressed with extract application. In pot experiment, allelopathic effect was less pronounced. Reduction in emergence percent, shoot length and fresh weight of carrot were observed. Barley root length and fresh weight were reduced with the highest extract concentration. No significant effect on seedling emergence and growth of A. theophrasti was recorded, while emergence of A. retroflexus was inhib-ited for 14.4%. Germination and growth of test species decreased propor-tionately as concentration of weed biomass in water extracts increased. Differences in sensitivity among species were recorded, with A. retroflexus being the most susceptible to extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Basic & Applied Ecology is the property of Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solidago canadensisL. is a major invasive weed that is highly tolerant to disturbances and difficult to control in China. In order to develop a rapid non-chemical control strategy for this weed in heterogeneous environments, we investigated different treatments including mechanical control (cutting and hoeing) and inoculation with an indigenous pathogen,Sclerotium rolfsiiSC64, which was isolated fromS. canadensisand applied by means of a solid formulation. Greenhouse and field trials were conducted to test how the control regimes (i.e. individual treatment methods, combination of these methods and different treatment timing) influence control efficiency. The fungal isolateS. rolfsiiSC64 caused 70% plant mortality and fresh weight reduction ofS. canadensisunder 150 cm growth stage, and efficacy increased to 80% when the above-ground material was removed. However, the use of cutting, hoeing or treating withS. rolfsiiSC64, on its own, did not provide sufficient control ofS. canadensis. Cutting treatments performed in July and September only eliminated sexual reproduction ofS. canadensis. Combination of cutting, hoeing and treating with isolate SC64 during the growing season in May, July and September was able to kill more than 90% of the ramets. This combination of methods not only eliminated sexual reproduction ofS. canadensis, but also destroyed its underground stems and prevented its regrowth. Therefore, this integrated approach may provide an optima control strategy forS. canadensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms that allow introduced plants to become invasive are poorly understood. Here, we present a test of the evolution of increased competitive ability hypothesis, which holds that because specialized natural enemies may be absent from the introduced range, exotic plants may evolve to invest less in anti-herbivore defenses and thereby gain a competitive advantage over native plants. We grew Solidago gigantea plants derived from both the native range (North America) and the invasive range (Europe) in a common garden in the native range for 2 years. Half the plants were treated with insecticide to protect them from insect herbivores and the other half were exposed to insects that colonized the garden from nearby fields. Insect herbivore biomass was significantly higher on European plants than US plants in the first year but not the second. European plants were more heavily attacked by pathogens in both years of the study. When exposed to insect herbivores, US plants produced more seed than European plants, but when plants were protected from herbivores, seed production was equivalent between US plants and European plants. The presence of insect herbivores suppressed seed production of European plants much more than that of US plants, even though the level of herbivory experienced by European and US plants was similar in the second year, suggesting that the ability to tolerate herbivory was diminished in European plants. These results partially support the EICA hypothesis: plants from the introduced range were more susceptible to some natural enemies and benefited more from insect removal than plants from the native range. The prediction that European plants would perform better than US plants in the absence of insect herbivores was not supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduced plant species that became successful invaders appear often more vigorous and taller than their conspecifics in the native range. Reasons postulated to explain this better performance in the introduced range include more favourable environmental conditions and release from natural enemies and pathogens. According to the Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability hypothesis (EICA hypothesis) there is a trade-off between investment into defence against herbivores and pathogens, and investment into a stronger competitive ability. In this study, we conducted field surveys to investigate whether populations of the invasive perennial Solidago gigantea Ait (Asteraceae) differ with respect to growth and size in the native and introduced range, respectively. We assessed size and morphological variation of 46 populations in the native North American range and 45 populations in the introduced European range. Despite considerable variation between populations within continents, there were pronounced differences between continents. The average population size, density and total plant biomass were larger in European than in American populations. Climatic differences and latitude explained only a small proportion of the total variation between the two continents. The results show that introduced plants can be very distinct in their growth form and size from conspecifics in the native range. The apparently better performance of this invasive species in Europe may be the result of changed selection pressures, as implied by the EICA hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change influences plant invasion which spreads all over the Europe. Invasive plants are predominantly manifest negative impacts, which require increased attention not only from ecologists. The research examines the possibilities offered by geospatial technologies in mapping the spatial spread of invasive plants of the genus Solidago. Invasive plant population was investigated at two localities, Malý Šariš and Chminianska Nová Ves in Slovakia, as well as the mapping of the area by multispectral imaging to determine the spectral reflectance curve of the monitored plant species. Using spatial analyses in the geographic information system, we evaluated changes in the plant density in the two localities. Based on the obtained results, we found that the number of individuals (ramets) in the Malý Šariš is significantly increasing, while in the examined area of Chminianska Nová Ves, there is a decrease in the number of Solidago spp. in the last monitored year. At the same time, we can state that in the areas with the highest increase in the number of ramets, the highest plant density per hectare was also recorded. We can also say that due to the spectral proximity of the surrounding vegetation, the spectral resolution in four spectral bands is insufficient for the classification of multispectral records in the case of Solidago spp. and cannot replace the advantages of high spectral resolution hyperspectral imaging, which significantly refines the feature space for Solidago spp. and the surrounding vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alien plant invasions of riparian zones can trigger bottom-up effects on freshwater ecosystems through changes in leaf litter supply. Riparian zones of ponds are often invaded by alien species, and although these habitats are common, the effect of invasive alien species on ponds has rarely been studied. We performed a leaf litter experiment in a pond and compared within- and between-species variation in the breakdown rates of three native species (Alnus glutinosa , Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia) and two aggressive alien invaders of riparian zones (Fallopia japonica and Solidago canadensis). The litter of S. canadensis decomposed faster than the litter of the other plants; more than 50 % of the S. canadensis biomass decomposed within a week. This contradicts the home-field advantage hypothesis, and we argue that the quality rather than the origin of litter might be the key factor driving breakdown rates. We also reported considerable intra-specific variation; old leaves (collected in spring after a partial aerial breakdown on stems) decomposed two to seven times slower than senescent leaves (collected in autumn just after abscission). The continuous seasonal supply of leaves of different quality into freshwaters may be disrupted by terrestrial invasions, especially if an invader forms monoculture stands and produces a highly palatable litter, as is the case with S. canadensis. This may fundamentally alter the resource dynamics in the pond environment through a rapid depletion of litter mass before the next litterfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are one of the biggest challenges in European ecosystems, displacing local vegetation, destroying agricultural land, and causing billions of dollars of damage to the European economy every year. Many of them are removed daily and mainly burned. In this work, we investigated the possibilities of using plants as feedstock for paper production. Papers made from three invasive alien plants, i.e., Knotweed, Goldenrod, and Black locust, were studied and compared with commercial office paper. The study included testing of: (1) structural properties—basic physical properties, grammage, thickness, density and specific volume, moisture content, and ash content; (2) physical and dynamic mechanical properties—tensile strength, Clark stiffness, viscoelastic properties; (3) colorimetric properties of prints; (4) effect of UV light on ageing; and (5) study of cellulose fiber structure and morphology by microscopy. The results suggested that the paper produced can be used as commercial office paper, considering that the paper is slightly dyed. Such papers can also be used for special purposes that present a natural style and connection to nature. The papers produced can also be used for printing documents that are meant to be kept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plant height of invasive alien species (IAS) is higher than natives (NPS). • Plant height and leaf size of S. canadensis were higher than C. canadensis. • Plant height was more important in affecting the successful invasion. It is still debated whether invasive alien species (IAS) have superior functional traits, especially plant height and leaf size, than co-occurring native plant species (NPS). Meanwhile, as two important indicators affecting the competitiveness for sunlight acquisition, plant height and leaf size, which one is more important in affecting the successful invasion of IAS? Thus, it is vital to assess the differences in the functional trait between IAS and co-occurring NPS and the significance of plant height and leaf size in the successful invasion to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying successful invasion especially with diverse degrees of invasion, especially in urban ecosystems. This study aims to assess the differences in the functional trait between IAS and co-occurring NPS and the significance of plant height and leaf size in the successful invasion of two notorious IAS [ i.e. , Solidago canadensis L. and Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq.] with different degrees of invasion (i.e. , low and heavy degrees of invasion based on their relative abundance in the invaded habitats) in urban ecosystems by using field sampling experiments. The competitiveness for sunlight acquisition of IAS distinctly increases as the degree of invasion increases. The competitiveness for sunlight acquisition of IAS is evidently higher than that of NPS but contrary to the leaf photosynthetic area. Plant height is more strongly related to the relative abundance of the two IAS than leaf size. The contribution intensity of plant height of the two IAS to their relative abundance is obviously higher than leaf size. Thus, plant height, rather than leaf size, was the most important determinant of the successful invasion of the two IAS, especially under heavy degree of invasion. Thus, the invasiveness of the two IAS is largely contributed by the higher competitiveness for sunlight acquisition rather than the larger leaf photosynthetic area, especially under heavy degree of invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have been conducted on the distribution of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in plant, however, there has been rare data linking Ecological Stoichiometry to plant invasion success, especially in a low-N environment. Accordingly, an experiment in this study was performed to explore the nutrition distribution and stoichiometry among various organs in plant, contributing to plant invasion. According to the results of this study, both invasive and native species exhibited a higher C, N concentration and lower C/N ratio in their leaf compared with stem and root overall (p < 0.05), the stem exhibited the lower N concentration, higher C concentration and C/N ratio compared with leaf and root overall (p < 0.05). In addition, C and N concentrations of invasive Solidago canadensis were significantly lower, while the C/N and Relative Growth Rate (RGR) were significantly higher than those of the native Artemisia argyi (p < 0.05). As revealed from the mentioned results, plant invasion success in low-N environmental conditions was dependent on the following: 1) Invasive used more conservative nutrients strategy (higher C/N ratio), instead of the high capacity to retain or resorb nutrients compared with natives; 2) Invasive species (higher RGR) had less N-limited growth as compared with natives. Furthermore, this study presented baseline information to describe the internal mechanism of plant invasion, thereby helping predict and control invasive species. • Resource conservation strategy helps biological invasion in a low-N environment. • The less N-limited growth in invasive species as compared with natives. • The higher growth rates in invasive species than those of natives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien plant species Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) were investigated as a source of phytochemicals and yellow dyes. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were extracted from the inflorescence of Canadian goldenrod with thirteen extraction solvents ethanol, methanol, acetone, water, and mixtures of organic solvents (70%, 80%, and 90%) with water. High performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled to densitometry and high-performance liquid chromatography with photo-diode array detector (HPLC-PDA) were used for analyses of the obtained sample test solutions (STSs), which showed the best and comparable extraction efficiencies for 70% acetone(aq), 70% methanol(aq), and 70% ethanol(aq). HPTLC combined with image analyses in fluorescent mode resulted in different chromatographic fingerprints for Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod STSs (70% acetone(aq)) after development, after post-chromatographic derivatization with NP reagent and after use of PEG reagent. The developed HPLC methods enabled analyses of phenolic acids and flavonoids (aglycones and glycosylated) in STSs and hydrolyzed STSs form inflorescence of Canadian and giant goldenrod. Different contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercetin, and quercetin were observed in STSs of both goldenrod species. The analyses of hydrolyzed STSs confirmed that glycosylated flavonoids in Canadian and giant goldenrod inflorescence are mainly glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. Additional analyses using HPTLC and HPLC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS; HPTLC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS) enabled tentative identification of phenolic acids and flavonoids (10 with HPTLC-MS/MS and 15 with LC-MS/MS), from which several were identified in Canadian (4 with HPTLC-MS/MS and 8 with LC-MS/MS) and in giant (7 with HPTLC-MS/MS and 9 with LC-MS/MS) goldenrod for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species spreading in abandoned agricultural landscape may negatively affect native organisms, including plants and soil biota. This study assessed the effects of invasion by Solidago sp. (goldenrod) in southern Poland on soil fauna feeding activity and on soil microorganism activity, biomass, and functional and taxonomic diversity, in a comparisons of paired plots: goldenrod-invaded plots and nearby non-invaded plots of semi-natural grassland. Goldenrod-invaded plots had fewer vascular plant species (paired t -test) than non-invaded ones, and showed a distinct plant community composition (ANOSIM). Non-invaded and invaded plots did not differ in a range of measured soil physicochemical parameters. No differences were observed between non-invaded and invaded plots in soil fauna feeding activity (measured in the field using bait-lamina test), nor in soil microbial activity (basal respiration rate) and biomass (substrate-induced respiration rate). Goldenrod invasion also did not affect soil bacterial activity and functional diversity as assessed using Biolog® ECO plates, nor bacterial and eukaryotic taxonomic diversity as assessed using Illumina 16/18S rDNA gene fragment sequencing. Bacterial community functional structure (CLPP pattern) and the taxonomic structure of bacteria and eukaryotes (OTU bact and OTU euk patterns) were not observed to differ between non-invaded and invaded plots. None of the measured soil microbial indices or soil fauna feeding activity were related to the number of vascular plant species (alpha diversity) as tested by simple regressions. The altered vegetation diversity and composition (beta diversity) was not reflected in the CLPP, OTU bact and OTU euk patterns (Mantel tests). The reduced alpha and beta plant diversity resulting from goldenrod invasion was not reflected in soil microbial community parameters. Results of the effects of goldenrod invasion on soil organisms should be interpreted with caution, as the effects may not be so pronounced as the effects on aboveground organisms. • Invasive Solidago sp. (goldenrod) may affect negatively on soil fauna and soil microorganisms. • Non-invaded and invaded plots did not differ in soil fauna feeding activity nor in a range of measured soil microbial parameters, including CLPP and OTU patterns. • The reduced alpha and beta plant diversity was not reflected in soil microbial community parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitrogen enhanced lettuce growth and alleviated allelopathy of goldenrod. • Cadmium reduced lettuce growth and enhanced allelopathy of goldenrod. • Combined nitrogen and cadmium antagonistically affect allelopathy of goldenrod. Allelopathy of invasive alien species on seed germination and seedling growth (SGerSGro) of coexisting plant species play a critical role in their effective invasion. Currently, atmospheric nitrogen deposition and heavy metal pollution has become more and more serious globally. Significant changes may occur for the allelopathy of invasive alien species on SGerSGro of coexisting plant species under the increasing nitrogen deposition and heavy metal stress. This study aims to evaluate the allelopathy of the notorious invasive alien species Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.; using leaf extracts) on SGerSGro of the cultivated crop lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under the independent and combined nitrogen deposition and cadmium (Cd) stress. Canada goldenrod recruit distinctly allelopathy on SGerSGro of lettuce and remarkably upsurge with increasing concentration of leaf extracts. Nitrogen evidently enhanced SGerSGro of lettuce and dramatically alleviated the allelopathy of Canada goldenrod on SGerSGro of lettuce. Cd notably suppressed SGerSGro of lettuce and distinctly enhanced the allelopathy of Canada goldenrod on SGerSGro of lettuce. The combined nitrogen deposition and Cd stress antagonistically affect the allelopathy of Canada goldenrod on SGerSGro of lettuce. Consequently, the weakened allelopathy of Canada goldenrod may prevent its further invasion process speculatively, especially under the combined nitrogen deposition and Cd stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]