Light limitation and litter of an invasive clonal plant, Wedelia trilobata, inhibit its seedling recruitment.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Invasive clonal plants have two reproduction patterns, namely sexual and vegetative propagation. However, seedling recruitment of invasive clonal plants can decline as the invasion process proceeds. For example, although the invasive clonal Wedelia trilobata (Asteraceae) produces numerous seeds, few seedlings emerge under its dense population canopy in the field. In this study it is hypothesized that light limitation and the presence of a thick layer of its own litter may be the primary factors causing the failure of seedling recruitment for this invasive weed in the field.

Methods

A field survey was conducted to determine the allocation of resources to sexual reproduction and seedling recruitment in W. trilobata. Seed germination was also determined in t

SUBMITTER: Qi SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4111383 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature