Photosynthetic Responses of Heliophilous Rhus Species to Environmental Modification by Invasive Shrubs

Midgley, G. F.; Rutherford, M. C.; Davis, George W.; Bösenberg, J. De Wet

doi:10.2307/2389525

Cited by 20 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Similar to previous studies of other shade-tolerant species, this plant adjusted physiologically to shading by lower light compensation points and dark respiration rates (Sims and Pearcy 1991, Midgley et al 1992, Hamerlynck and Knapp 1994, Groninger et al 1996, Olsen et al 2002, Aleric and Kirkman 2005, being typified as physiological acclimation to low-light environments (Broadman 1977, Smith 1981. P max increased with increasing light treatment up to intermediate light levels (37% of full sunlight), followed by a decline in P max at full sunlight (Aleric and Kirkman 2005).…”

Section: Variables/treatmentssupporting

confidence: 74%

Lantana camara L.: a weed with great light-acclimation capacity

et al. 2011

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Plant invasions may be limited by low radiation levels in ecosystems such as forests. Lantana camara has been classified among the world's 10 worst weeds since it is invading many different habitats all around the planet. Morphological and physiological responses to different light fluxes were analyzed. L. camara was able to acclimate to moderately shaded environments, showing a high phenotypic plasticity. Morphological acclimation to low light fluxes was typified by increasing leaf size, leaf biomass, leaf area index and plant height and by reduced stomatal density and leaf thickness. Plants in full sunlight produced many more inflorescences than in shaded conditions. Physiological acclimation to low radiation levels was shown to be higher stomatal conductance, higher net photosynthetic rates and higher efficiency of photosystem II (PSII). L. camara behaves as a facultative shade-tolerant plant, being able to grow in moderately sheltered environments, however its invasion could be limited in very shady habitats. Control efforts in patchy environments should be mainly directed against individuals in open areas since that is where the production of seeds would be higher and the progress of the invasion would be faster.

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Section: Variables/treatmentssupporting

confidence: 74%

Lantana camara L.: a weed with great light-acclimation capacity

et al. 2011

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“…Our results indicate that L. melissifolia is capable of acclimating to varied light conditions through plasticity in leaf morphology and physiology. Plants showed the typical sun-shade morphological responses that have been reported in numerous other studies, including decreased stomatal densities, increased specific leaf area, and increased leaf area ratio with decreasing light levels (Dean et al, 1982;Midgley et al, 1992;Holmes [Vol. 92 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY and Cowling, 1993;Groninger et al, 1996;Beaudet and Messier, 1998;Sack and Grubb, 2002).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

Growth and photosynthetic responses of the federally endangered shrub, Lindera melissifolia (Lauraceae), to varied light environments

Aleric

Kirkman

2005

American J of Botany

102

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Photosynthetic, morphological, and growth responses to light environment can be useful measurements to determine favorable habitat conditions for the conservation of endangered species. For Lindera melissifolia (Walt.) Blume, we compared morphological and photosynthetic responses under natural and controlled light regimes, and growth under three light treatments: 100%, 42%, and 19% full sunlight. Typical sun-shade morphological responses to decreasing light levels included decreased stomatal density, increased specific leaf area, and increased leaf area ratio. Photosynthetic capacity (3-6 μmol CO(2) · m(-2) · s(-1)) was consistent with other shade-tolerant species. Light-saturated rates of photosynthesis of experimental plants increased with increasing light up to 42% sunlight, but declined at 100% sunlight. The 100% light treatment also resulted in lower plant biomass, primarily from a reduction in root biomass. Results indicate that canopy conditions at levels below 40% sunlight are optimal for plant growth and should be considered in management and reintroduction efforts for this species.

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“…As a consequence, native vegetation most often cannot survive under the dense invasive Australian acacia canopies, leaving the understory bare (Holmes & Cowling, 1997). If native vegetation is able to persist, it is often only at the acacia canopy edge or at low levels in the understory (Midgley et al, 1992). The high growth rates of Australian acacias are most likely supported by the superior abilities of Australian acacia seedlings to obtain necessary water and nutrients.…”

Section: Resource Acquisition and Use By Invasive Australian Acacias mentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecophysiological traits associated with the competitive ability of invasive Australian acacias

Morris¹,

Esler²,

Barger³

et al. 2011

Diversity and Distributions

105

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Aim We explored morphological and ecophysiological traits that enable invasive Australian acacias to compete with native species for resources (light, water and nutrients) necessary to support the substantial growth associated with successful invasions. Location Global. Results Invasive Australian acacias grow large and seed prolifically in invaded regions. The greater capacity for vegetative growth is underpinned by their ability to acquire and efficiently use resources in non‐native habitats. Key biological traits that enhance acquisition include (1) rapid and substantial allocation to root mass (up to 6‐fold more than co‐occurring native species) directed towards deep roots (at least 50% longer than those of natives) and to extensive shallow root networks; (2) heteroblasty, in most species, conferring high relative growth rates as bipinnate seedlings but long‐lived, nutrient‐conserving phyllodes as adults and (3) strong N2‐fixation abilities. Main conclusions The ecophysiological traits that govern the competitive interaction of invasive Australian acacias with native species are an important component of the recognized suite of factors including introduction history, human use and enemy release that combine to produce successful invasions. Traits interact to give Australian acacias competitive advantage over many native species. One such interaction is that of N2 fixation, which when coupled with slow decomposition of sclerophyllous phyllodes results in alteration of soil nutrient cycling. The lasting legacy of soil N‐enrichment hinders the competitive ability of native species and further enhances invasions. The importance of edaphic factors and competitive interactions in determining invasive success should be considered in predictive modelling of species distributions.

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Photosynthetic Responses of Heliophilous Rhus Species to Environmental Modification by Invasive Shrubs

Cited by 20 publications

References 28 publications

Lantana camara L.: a weed with great light-acclimation capacity

Lantana camara L.: a weed with great light-acclimation capacity

Growth and photosynthetic responses of the federally endangered shrub, Lindera melissifolia (Lauraceae), to varied light environments

Ecophysiological traits associated with the competitive ability of invasive Australian acacias

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