Explaining the larger seed bank of an invasive shrub in non-native versus native environments by differences in seed predation and plant size.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Large, persistent seed banks contribute to the invasiveness of non-native plants, and maternal plant size is an important contributory factor. We explored the relationships between plant vegetative size (V) and soil seed bank size (S) for the invasive shrub Ulex europaeus in its native range and in non-native populations, and identified which other factors may contribute to seed bank variation between native and invaded regions.

Methods

We compared the native region (France) with two regions where Ulex is invasive, one with seed predators introduced for biological control (New Zealand) and another where seed predators are absent (La Réunion). We quantified seed bank size, plant dimensions, seed predation and soil fertility for six stands in each of the th

SUBMITTER: Bakker MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6526314 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature