Metabolite-driven mechanisms reveal chemical ecology of Lehmann Lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion in North American semi-arid ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Invasive plants threaten global ecosystems, yet traditional analyses of functional traits cannot fully explain their dominance over co-occurring natives. Metabolomics offers insights into plant invasions, but single-technique studies often miss critical biochemical mechanisms. We employ a multimodal metabolomics approach (¹H NMR, LC MS/MS, FT-ICR-MS, and MALDI-MSI) to investigate the biochemical basis of Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion in semi-arid North America, comparing it with a co-occurring native grass, Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica). Our analysis reveals three metabolomic traits of Lehmann lovegrass compared to Arizona cottontop: Enhanced nitrogen allocation in shoots, reduced defensive metabolites in root layers; and increased root exudate modulation

SUBMITTER: Yang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11880402 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature