Performance of Some Native and Introduced Grasses in a Semiarid Region of Western Canada

Lawrence, T.; Ratzlaff, C. D.

doi:10.4141/cjps89-033

Cited by 19 publications

(13 citation statements)

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“…However, the response of the alien plant species reported by this study may correspond with that reported in many other studies that found high above-ground productivity of alien plants compared with indigenous species (e.g. Lawrence and Ratzlaff, 1989).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Superiority in competition for light: A crucial attribute defining the impact of the invasive alien tree Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African savanna

Iponga

Milton

Richardson

2008

Journal of Arid Environments

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Invasion of ecosystems by woody alien plant species is a widespread phenomenon. Interspecific competition has often been suggested as a mechanism for replacement of one species by another, but this is rarely tested. We investigated the potential of an invasive alien tree to transform vegetation by quantifying the relative abilities of the alien tree Schinus molle and dominant native trees Acacia tortilis and Rhus lancea to compete for light when growing in association within a South African semi-arid savanna. Due to dispersal of its fruits by birds, seedlings of S. molle establish under tree canopies. Using canopy symmetry as an index of ability to compete for light, we found that the alien S. molle consistently out-competes the dominant native tree species. The results also show that pod production of A. tortilis was higher when it grew alone compared to when it grew with S. molle or R. lancea. The percentage of dead branches was higher on A. tortilis trees growing in association with the S. molle. The outcome is that the alien tree will gradually increase in abundance, changing woodland structure and ecosystem processes. Our findings provide evidence for the role of competition in the process of alien plant invasions. We suggest that S. molle, previously considered a benign naturalized species in South Africa, should be declared a noxious weed in some parts of that country.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Superiority in competition for light: A crucial attribute defining the impact of the invasive alien tree Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African savanna

Iponga

Milton

Richardson

2008

Journal of Arid Environments

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“…The superior stand-establishment characteristics, hardiness, wide adaptability, availability and lower cost of seed, and productivity of introduced perennial species compared with indigenous native species have been documented in many regions (Barker et al 1977;Vallentine 1977;Kilcher and Looman 1983;Lawrence and Ratzlaff 1989). Like their native counterparts, introduced grasses also have the capacity to sort by natural selection and improve their adaptation to the environmental conditions on sites where they are seeded.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Merits of native and introduced Triticeae grasses on semiarid rangelands

Asay¹,

Horton²,

Jensen³

et al. 2001

Can. J. Plant Sci.

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2001. Merits of native and introduced Triticeae grasses on semi-arid rangelands. Can. J. Plant Sci. 81: 45-52. Experiments were conducted on four semiarid range sites to compare stand establishment , productivity, and persistence of several introduced perennial Triticeae grasses with that of their native counterparts. On Intermountain sites with severe water limitations (< 300 mm), native grasses were more difficult to establish, less productive, and less persistent than the introduced grasses. Stands of native grasses declined most rapidly under defoliation. At locations where moisture conditions were more favorable, particularly where more summer precipitation occurred, native Triticeae grasses established and persisted relatively well compared with the introduced entries. Although difficult to establish, stands of the rhizoma-tous native, western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve] increased during the seasons after establishment. Choice of plant materials to be used in range seeding programs should be based on objective criteria. To do otherwise will perpetuate degradation of soil resources, especially on sites that are dominated by weedy annual species such as cheatgrass (Bromus tecto-rum) and medusahead rye (Taeniatherum asperum). It is proposed that adapted introduced grasses be equally considered along with native grasses as a component of seed mixtures on environmentally harsh sites that have been burned, infested with competitive weedy species, or otherwise degraded.. 2001. Attributs des Triticées indigènes et introduites dans les par-cours de pâturage semi-arides. Can. J. Plant Sci. 81: 45-52. Nous avons réalisé à quatre emplacements de parcours semi-arides des expériences visant à comparer l'installation, la productivité et la longévité de plusieurs Triticées vivaces d'introduction avec les propriétés d'espèces indigènes apparentées. Dans les vallée des montagne, exposées à de graves carences en précipitations (moins de 300 mm), les espèces indigènes étaient plus difficiles à installer et aussi moins productives et moins persistantes. En outre, leurs peuplements se dégarnissaient particulièrement vite sous l'effet du broutage. En revanche, dans les situations mieux arrosées, en particulier durant les mois d'été, leur installation et leur longévité se comparaient assez favorablement à celles des espèces d'introduction. Malgré des difficultés d'installation, les peuplements d'agropyre de l'Ouest [Pascopyrum metis (Rydb.) A. Löve], espèce indigène rhizomateuse gagnaient en densité dans les années suivantes. Le choix du matériel végétal à utiliser dans les programmes de ressemis en parcours devrait donc être fondé sur des critères objectifs, faute de quoi la dégradation du sol risque de se perpétuer, surtout aux emplacements dominés par des espèces annuelles envahissantes comme le brome des toits (Bromus tectorum et Taeniatherum asperum) (élyme tête-de-méduse). Les Triticées d'introduction adaptées aux conditions de parcours devraient donc être considérées tout autant que les espèces indigène...

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“…Further, crested wheatgrass establishes quickly, is a successful competitor, and provides forage early in the spring (Love 1932) and in the fall (Dillman 1946;Knowles and Buglass 1980;Broersma et al 2000). It also has higher yields compared with native grassland (Lawrence and Ratzlaff 1989). The success of crested wheatgrass caused it to be planted more than any other non-native species in western North America (Rogler and Lorenz 1983).…”

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confidence: 99%

Impact and management of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) in the northern Great Plains

Vaness¹,

Wilson²

2007

Can. J. Plant Sci.

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Vaness, B. M. and Wilson, S. D. 2007. Impact and management of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) in the northern Great Plains. Can. J. Plant Sci. 87: 1023-1028. Crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.] invades native prairie and reduces diversity in the northern Great Plains. Here we review the effects of crested wheatgrass on grassland communities and ecosystems, as well as potential strategies for controlling crested wheatgrass. Because of its tussock growth form and C 3 photosynthetic pathway, crested wheatgrass is likely to alter native grassland both above-and belowground. Experiments and long-term population projections suggest that both grazing and herbicide applied regularly can greatly decrease its abundance even though established populations may not be eliminated.

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Performance of Some Native and Introduced Grasses in a Semiarid Region of Western Canada

Cited by 19 publications

References 1 publication

Superiority in competition for light: A crucial attribute defining the impact of the invasive alien tree Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African savanna

Superiority in competition for light: A crucial attribute defining the impact of the invasive alien tree Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in South African savanna

Merits of native and introduced Triticeae grasses on semiarid rangelands

Impact and management of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) in the northern Great Plains

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