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The Novel Invader Salpichroa origanifolia Modifies the Soil Seed Bank of a Mediterranean Mesophile Forest

Authors :
Iduna Arduini
Viola Alessandrini
Source :
Plants, Vol 13, Iss 2, p 226 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

The composition and structure of soil seed banks provide insight into the long-term implications of plant invasions on resident communities. The effect of Salpichroa origanifolia (Sa) on the seed bank of a coastal mesophile forest (Tuscany) was studied by growing Sa-rhizomes in soils from low and high invaded sites, in full sun and canopy shade. Sa growth patterns, and the composition, biomass, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of seedlings which emerged from seed banks were determined. Seed bank abundance and richness were also determined from under and 2 m apart established Sa populations. Sa plants’ leaf traits and biomass allocation changed in response to light conditions. The germination of seed bank seedlings was not affected or even promoted by Sa, while their biomass as well as N and P uptake were more than halved in both light conditions, leading to a progressive depletion of the forest seed bank. Richness was lower under established Sa populations. Sa seedlings exerted a greater suppression on residents than Sa adults, and these appeared more competitive against their own seedlings than on residents. Sa is an invader of concern for Mediterranean forests because of its adaptability to shaded conditions, the competitiveness of its seedlings, and its vegetative spread by means of rhizomes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13020226 and 22237747
Volume :
13
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Plants
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.f64b5b1d535640799ee5d64e23e67b32
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020226