2014
DOI: 10.1890/13-1309.1
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Unrecognized impact of a biocontrol agent on the spread rate of an invasive thistle

Abstract: Herbivores may significantly reduce plant populations by reducing seed set; however, we know little of their impact on seed movement. We show for the first time that the receptacle-feeding weevil Rhinocyllus conicus not only reduces seed production by the invasive thistle Carduus nutans but also inhibits release and subsequent wind dispersal of seeds. These effects generate large, though different, impacts on spatial spread and local abundance in two populations with differing demography, located in the United… Show more

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Cited by 26 publications
(33 citation statements)
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“…Until the recent release of Cassida, the only other significant herbivory on thistles was from introduced seed-feeding biocontrol agents that exert some regulating influence on populations of biennial thistle species, such as C. nutans (Groenteman et al, 2011;Marchetto et al, 2014). Insect herbivory on thistles in NZ is relaxed in comparison to the native range.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Until the recent release of Cassida, the only other significant herbivory on thistles was from introduced seed-feeding biocontrol agents that exert some regulating influence on populations of biennial thistle species, such as C. nutans (Groenteman et al, 2011;Marchetto et al, 2014). Insect herbivory on thistles in NZ is relaxed in comparison to the native range.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Seed abscission occurs during a narrow time window after seeds have matured, and before the peduncle dries and the capitulum falls from the stem; this phenomenon leads to the species' common name, ‘nodding thistle.’ Seeds that do not leave the capitulum before the head falls are retained at the maternal site and do not contribute to population spread. Previous studies show that plant height (Zhang et al ., ), seed terminal velocity (Teller et al ., , ) and natural enemy attack (Marchetto et al ., ) play crucial roles in the dispersal of this wind‐dispersed species.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 97%
“…Understanding the rate and mechanisms of range expansion can help managers reduce transmission, protect areas of special concern, and implement other control measures. For example, understanding rates of spread of invasive species is important in the implementation of biocontrol programs [9]. Rate of spread is also a key input into risk maps and decision support tools [10].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%