Aegilops tauschii is a competitive invasive weed typically found in winter wheat fields. In this study, using the replacement series experiments designed by de Wit, the effects of different shading treatments on the morphological structure, physiological characteristics, and competitiveness of the invasive plant A. tauschii were comparatively analyzed with the aim of providing knowledge for the ecological control of this weed in wheat fields. The results showed that in terms of morphological characteristics, shading caused an increase in plant height, leaf area, and specific leaf area (SLA); and a decrease in the root-to-crown ratio (R/C) of both A. tauschii and wheat plants. With regard to physiological characteristics, both A. tauschii and wheat plants adapted to the low-light environment by increasing the chlorophyll content, with an increase of chlorophyll b in particular. It could be concluded from the changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content that the low-intensity shading treatment significantly improved the stress resistance of A. tauschii , thus ensuring the continuation of its normal photosynthesis. In addition, the plasticity index average value of eight morphological indicators of A. tauschii (e.g., plant height and leaf area) was 0.18, which was greater than that of wheat (0.17). Similarly, the plasticity index average value of four physiological indicators of A. tauschii (e.g., chlorophyll content and SOD activity) was 0.46, which was also higher than that of wheat (0.37). Finally, the competitive balance (CB) value of A. tauschii showed that its competitiveness under low light conditions was still greater than wheat, but gradually diminished with increasing shading rate. In short, A. tauschii displays a certain adaptability to low light environments, but shading treatment may also significantly reduce its competitive inhibition of wheat.
Soil salinization has produced severe consequences on global agricultural production and ecological environment. Based on the features of saline soils in China, through mixed NaCl, NaHCO3, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3 at varying ratios to simulate the salinity–alkalinity stress and conducted a controlled pot experiment using De Wit replacement method. The effects of salinity–alkalinity stress on the growth of Aegilops tauschii and its competition with wheat were explored to provide a reference for the study of invasion mechanism of A. tauschii. The result showed that, the salinity–alkalinity stress inhibited the growth and development of both the species, which was reflected in plant height, leaf area and total biomass indicators. Secondly, the tolerance of both plant species to salinity–alkalinity stress was improved by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the proline content. However, as the salinity–alkalinity stress was exacerbated, the relative conductivity and thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) content increased significantly in both the species. As suggested by the level of increase in SOD activity, proline content, relative conductivity, and TBARS content, A. tauschii was more tolerant to the salinity–alkalinity stress than wheat. Finally, it can be seen from the value of the competition balance index, A. tauschii was still more competitive than wheat even under salinity–alkalinity stress. In summary, A. tauschii was more tolerant of the salinity–alkalinity stress than wheat through the favorable adjustment of morphology, biomass allocation pattern, and physiological features, which is expected to increase its invasion damage to wheat.
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