Seashore disturbance and management of the clonalArctophila fulva: Modelling patch dynamics

Abstract

Methods:We constructed a matrix population model based on colonization and disappearance events and patch size changes of A. fulva. Patches were divided into hydric and nonhydric zones according to proximity to the seashore and intensity of disturbance. Perturbation analyses were carried out in order to identify transitions critical for population growth. Seed bank and seed germination studies provided background information for the model design. Results: A. fulva patches observed in the more disturbed hydric zone (closest to the sea) increased in number, as did the total number of patches. However, the number of patches in the less disturbed non-hydric zone decreased. Conclusions: Short-term dynamics of the A. fulva population at Liminka Bay seem to be determined by environmental fluctuations, which cause annual variation in transition rates between patch size classes. The long-term dynamics are probably governed by initiation of primary succession by isostatic land uplift. Increased disturbance at the water's edge may promote persistence of A. fulva through reduced interspecific competition. Our results suggest that shoreline disturbance of the hydric zone is sufficient for maintaining a viable population. Competitive exclusion of A. fulva in the non-hydric zone may be delayed by management practices, such as mowing.Keywords: Arctophila fulva var. pendulina; Bothnian Bay; Hydric zone; Lefkovitch matrix model; Liminka Bay; Perturbation; Seashore.Nomenclature: Hämet-Ahti et al. (1998).Abbreviations: LTRE = Life table response experiment; TTC = 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride.

Colonization‐extinction and patch dynamics of the perennial riparian plant,Silene tatarica

“…We also studied patch dynamics by applying a matrix model to stage transitions of patches (Alvarez‐Buylla 1994; Ebenhart et al . 1994; Valverde & Silvertown 1997a; Caswell 2001; Rautiainen et al . 2004) and used elasticity analysis to test the relative importance of local within‐patch (survival and growth of established patches) and between‐patch (production of new patches) dynamics for the short‐term patch dynamics of the species.…”

Management of three endangered plant species in dynamic Baltic seashore meadows

“…Shoots of A. fulva are tall and they grow as scattered dense, monospecific patches along rivers and seashores influenced by freshwater. A. fulva flowers regularly in June-July, but no seedlings have been recorded in the study area (Rautiainen et al 2004); hence, dispersal seems to be based on rhizomatous growth and fragmentation of clones. However, it was recently shown that there is a considerably high genotypic diversity within the study population suggesting that sexual reproduction has taken place in the past (Kreivi et al 2005).…”