Variation of Parthenium hysterophorus in response to soil quality: implications for invasiveness

Abstract

The performance of Parthenium hysterophorus, native to the tropical Americas and invasive to several countries, was evaluated for response to soil quality. Phenological (six stages) and quantitative growth variables [relative growth rates in height (R h ) and diameter (R d )] were measured every fortnight. Based on harvest data, the variables, root:shoot (R:S) ratio, specific leaf area (SLA), relative growth rate in biomass (R w ), net assimilation rate (NAR) and dry matter allocation to plant components, were determined. High clay content in soils prolonged the rosette stage, enhanced R h and R d and hampered root growth, but promoted biomass allocation to shoots. The extreme degree of plant mortality was observed, with only 33.3% individuals surviving to reproduce in the soils with highest clay contents. This appears to be one of the most important findings that certainly has a major bearing on the range of adaptation of the weed. Seed mass declined whereas seed production increased in relatively coarser soils with the exception of nearly pure sand. In soils rich in clay, plants produced a smaller number of larger seeds. These data suggest that variation in fundamental functional traits would enable P. hysterophorus to adjust to a variety of habitat conditions.

Multiple introductions are responsible for the disjunct distributions of invasive Parthenium hysterophorus in China: evidence from nuclear and chloroplast DNA

“…, 1996a). Moreover, P. hysterophorus has a wide range of ecological adaptation and can grow in diverse habitats (Annapurna & Singh, 2003). Research shows that P. hysterophorus geminates well over a wide range of fluctuating temperatures from 12/2°C to 35/25°C in light, but a relatively high moisture is required for germination (Tamado et al.…”

Arbuscular Mycorrhizas: Drivers or Passengers of Alien Plant Invasion

“…Exotic invasion through their profound influence on soil properties and elemental cycling (Blank & Young, 2002) may indirectly impact AM diversity and distribution which in turn can translate into the success or failure of invasive species. This can be related to altered soil quality and textural properties due to plant invasions as indicated in case of invasion by Parthenium hysterophorus (Annapurna & Singh, 2003). The self altered soil conditions by this alien species may potentially promote its invasiveness over a broad range of habitat conditions.…”

Growth, biomass allocation, morphology, and photosynthesis of invasive Eupatorium adenophorum and its native congeners grown at four irradiances

“…It is important for alien plants to colonize new habitats (Williams et al 1995;Annapurna and Singh 2003). All studied Eupatorium plants showed typically plastic responses to irradiance (Poorter 1999;Feng et al 2007b).…”