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Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 18856

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Dr. Maria Cristina Morais

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Centro de Investigação e de Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: fruits; postharvest; quality preservation
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Dr. Paula Lorenzo

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Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE)–Science for People & The Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra (UC), 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: exotic plant invasion; impacts on native communities; plant invasion of new areas by releasing exotic allelochemicals (allelopathy); potential uses for the allelopathic compounds and plant residues (mainly from invasive plants) to palliate environmental problems related to conventional agriculture (phytotoxicity, natural compounds); new strategies to control invasive plants and its impacts on native communities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a significant component of human-caused environmental changes, with escalating impacts at ecological, economic, and human-health levels. The success of IAS is often associated with differences in functional traits in relation to other species (native and non-invasive) and on their ability to cope with the new conditions. Understanding the traits (morphological, physiological, biochemical, molecular, genetic, etc.) underlying the invasion success of IAS is crucial for anticipating and limiting their impacts, and requires a deep knowledge of the history of the species introduction, their attributes and the characteristics of novel ecosystems resulting from the invasion process. This knowledge is not only a matter of scientific interest but of practical importance for management of invaded areas by IAS.

In this Special Issue "Alien Flora of Europe - Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success", research articles, reviews and viewpoints focus on the traits of IAS that allow them to thrive in the area where they are introduced, are welcome.

Dr. Maria Cristina Morais
Dr. Paula Lorenzo
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Dr. Paula Lorenzo
Dr. Maria Cristina Morais
Guest Editors

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Keywords

invasive plant species
invasive success
functional traits
plant ecophysiology
allelopathy
adaptation to novel ecosystems
biodiversity

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 2231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Variation in Selected Biochemical Traits in the Leaves of Co-Occurring Invasive and Native Plant Species under Mediterranean Conditions

by Maria Cristina Morais, João Alexandre Cabral and Berta Gonçalves

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091171 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1914

Abstract

The success of invasive alien species (IAS) is often linked to differences in functional traits in relation to other, either native or non-invasive, species. Two of the most problematic IAS in the Mediterranean area belong to Hakea and Acacia genera that often invade pine plantations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the seasonal variations in photosynthetic pigments, total phenolics, and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), including total soluble sugars (SS) and starch (St), and lipid peroxidation, in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the leaves of evergreen species, two IAS (Hakea sericea and Acacia melanoxylon) and one native (Pinus pinaster), throughout 2019. All parameters showed a pronounced seasonal variability while also differing across species. Generally, the lowest contents of photosynthetic pigments, phenolics and SS were noted in early spring, along with the highest St and NSC values. On the other hand, higher photosynthetic pigment and lower NSC contents were measured in early autumn and early winter. When these parameters were compared across the three species, the IAS had significantly higher content of photosynthetic pigments, mainly chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, and lower total phenolics and MDA concentrations in their leaves than Pinus pinaster. Differences in seasonal patterns were also observed. Hakea sericea and Acacia melanoxylon had considerably higher chlorophyll, SS and NSC contents in the early autumn, while Pinus pinaster had higher St and MDA contents in early summer. Overall, the biochemical characteristics of leaves of the studied IAS can explain their success in the Mediterranean area, in terms of tolerance to stressful environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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11 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Seed Germination of the Invasive Species Symphyotrichum lanceolatum and Their Implication for Invasion Success

by Marija Nešić, Dragica Obratov-Petković, Dragana Skočajić, Ivana Bjedov and Nevena Čule

Plants 2022, 11(7), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11070969 - 1 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Invasive species Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G. L. Nesom is spreading uncontrollably along wet habitats as well as in disturbed ecosystems. All those habitats function as corridors that facilitate seed dispersal. One way to prevent the spread of invasive species is to know their reproductive ecology. The present study evaluates the potential for generative reproduction of S. lanceolatum and determines how different temperatures, amounts of nutrients, and light regimes, affect seed germination. Seeds collected from 13 natural populations were germinated at four fluctuating temperature regimes (15/6, 20/10, 30/15, and 35/20 °C). To test the influence of nitrate on seed germination, two KNO₃ concentrations were used (5 mM and 50 mM solution). For each treatment, three replicates of 30 seeds were placed in complete darkness or a 14 h photoperiod. The results showed that the germination increased with increasing temperature. The optimal temperature regimes were 30/15 °C and 35/20 °C with approximately 88% germination. The overall effect of KNO₃ on germination was positive. The concentration of 50 mM KNO₃ had a less stimulating effect compared to 5 mM KNO₃. Seeds showed sensitivity to lack of light during germination but were able to germinate in a significant percentage in such conditions. Considering that S. lanceolatum often occurs in disturbed sites, these results suggest that seed reaction to alternating temperature, nutrients concentration, and light can be determining factors that affect seed germination of this species and, thus, its spread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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18 pages, 5705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Nicotiana glauca Graham Invasion on the Vegetation Composition and Soil: A Case Study of Taif, Western Saudi Arabia

by Abdulaziz M. Assaeed, Abdullah S. Alharthi and Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122587 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2372

Abstract

Invasive species are considered a serious problem in different ecosystems worldwide. They can compete and interfere with native plants, leading to a shift in community assembly and ecosystem function. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nicotiana glauca Graham invasion on native vegetation composition and soil of the most invaded locations in the Taif region, Western Saudi Arabia, including Alwaht (WHT), Ar-Ruddaf (RDF), and Ash-shafa (SHFA). Plant species list, life span, life form, and chorotypes were assessed. Six locations highly infested with N. glauca shrubs were selected, and the morphological parameters of the shrubs were measured. Within each location, richness, evenness, relative density of species, and soil were measured either under the canopy of N. glauca shrubs or outside the canopy. Floristic analysis revealed the existence of 144 plant species, mainly perennial. The shrubs at the SHFA1 location showed the highest values of all measured morphological parameters. The WHT 1 location showed high richness and evenness, while the WHAT 2 location showed less richness and evenness. The invaded locations showed substantial variation in the community composition. Additionally, the effect of N. glauca on the understory species varied from competition to facilitation, where most of the understory species were inhibited. As an average of all locations, 65.86% of the plant species were recorded only outside the canopy of N. glauca. The vegetation analysis revealed that the SHFA location is more vulnerable to invasion that could be ascribed to its wide range of habitats and high disturbance. The soil–vegetation relationships showed significant variations among the studied locations regarding soil composition, and thereby showed a wide ecological range of the invasive shrubs N. glauca. Therefore, the invasion of N. glauca in the Taif region altered the species interactions, nutrients, and soil properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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14 pages, 3050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Impacts of Megaprojects: Species Succession and Functional Composition

by Hamada E. Ali and Solveig Franziska Bucher

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2411; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112411 - 9 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1864

Abstract

Land-use changes have huge impacts on natural vegetation, especially megaprojects, as the vegetation layer is destroyed in the course of construction works affecting the plant community composition and functionality. This large-scale disturbance might be a gateway for the establishment of invasive plant species, which can outcompete the natural flora. In contrast, species occurring in the area before the construction are not able to re-establish. In this study, we analyzed the impact of a pipeline construction on a wetland nature reserve located in northern Egypt. Therefore, we analyzed the plant species occurrence and abundance and measured each plant species’ traits before the construction in 2017 as well as on multiple occasions up to 2 years after the construction had finished on altogether five sampling events. We found that the construction activity led to the establishment of an invasive species which previously did not occur in the area, namely, Imperata cylindrica, whereas five species (Ipomoea carnea, Pluchea dioscoridis, Polygonum equisetiforme, Tamarix nilotica, and Typha domingensis) could not re-establish after the disturbance. The functionality of ecosystems assessed via the analysis of plant functional traits (plant height, specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content) changed within species over all sampling events and within the community showing a tendency to approximate pre-construction values. Functional dispersion and Rao’s quadratic diversity were higher after the megaproject than before. These findings are important to capture possible re-establishment and recovery of natural vegetation after construction and raise awareness to the impact of megaprojects, especially in areas which are high priority for conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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14 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Source Preference and Growth Carbon Costs of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit Saplings in South African Grassland Soils

by Nonkululeko Sithole, Zivanai Tsvuura, Kevin Kirkman and Anathi Magadlela

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112242 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) is native to Central America and has invaded many climatic regions of the tropics. In South Africa, the species is categorized as an emerging or incipient weed used as fodder, timber, firewood and in erosion control on degraded habitats. The species is common along the eastern subtropical regions of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, where it invades grasslands, savannas and edges of forests. Soils of these ecosystems are characterized as nutrient deficient and acidic. Using a pot trial, we determined the effects of the nutrient addition treatments on microbial symbiosis, N nutrition and biomass accumulation of L. leucocephala under greenhouse conditions. After 180 days of growth, plants were harvested, and their utilization of N derived from the atmosphere and from the soil was quantified through determination of δ¹⁵N values. L. leucocephala maintained growth and N nutrition by relying on both atmospheric- and soil-derived N across all soil treatments. The NDFA was significantly higher in high P (N1 + P, N2 + P and N3 + P) soils. L. leucocephala was able to nodulate with intermediate and fast-growing strains from the Mesorhizobium and Rhizobium genus in N2 + P grown plants. This shows that L. leucocephala possesses traits that are successful in acquiring nutrients, especially in nutrient limited conditions, by establishing plant symbiosis with multiple bacteria and relying on extracting N from the soil and from the atmosphere through the symbiosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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Review

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10 pages, 2071 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impacts and Drivers of Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) Invasion in Native Ecosystems

by Rakhi Palit and Edward S. DeKeyser

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101340 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2298

Abstract

Smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) is an invasive cool-season grass that has spread throughout the Great Plains of North America. The species is considered one of the most widespread exotic grasses that has successfully invaded both cool-season and warm-season native prairies. In the prairies where it has invaded, there has often been a total elimination of native species and an overall homogenization of ecosystems. Smooth brome has greater competitive abilities compared to many native grasses and can foster their total elimination in many instances. The greater competitiveness can be partially attributed to its ability to alter the soil and hydrological properties of a site. It is a deep-rooted rhizomatous grass species that thrives in nitrogen-enriched soil, and since its leaf tissue decomposes faster than native species, it in turn increases the soil nitrogen level, causing positive plant-soil feedback. Moreover, smooth brome is able to transport the required nutrients from older plants to the newer progenies invading new nutrient-depleted areas, making it a potent invader. However, the impact of smooth brome is not limited to soil biochemistry alone; it also affects other ecosystem components such as the movement and behavior of many native arthropods, thereby altering the overall population dynamics of such species. Thus, smooth brome invasion poses a serious threat to the remnant prairies of the Great Plains, and efficient management strategies are urgently needed to control its invasion. Control measures such as mowing, grazing, burning, and herbicide application have been effectively used to manage this species. However, due to the widespread distribution of smooth brome across North America and its adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions, it is challenging to translate the management strategies from one area to another. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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13 pages, 1658 KiB

Open AccessReview

Allelopathy of Knotweeds as Invasive Plants

by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi

Plants 2022, 11(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010003 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4482

Abstract

Perennial herbaceous Fallopia is native to East Asia, and was introduced to Europe and North America in the 19th century as an ornamental plant. Fallopia has been spreading quickly and has naturalized in many countries. It is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien species. Fallopia often forms dense monospecies stands through the interruption of the regeneration process of indigenous plant species. Allelopathy of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis), and Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia x bohemica) has been reported to play an essential role in its invasion. The exudate from their roots and/or rhizomes, and their plant residues inhibited the germination and growth of some other plant species. These knotweeds, which are non-mycorrhizal plants, also suppressed the abundance and species richness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere soil. Such suppression was critical for most territorial plants to form the mutualism with AMF, which enhances the nutrient and water uptake, and the tolerance against pathogens and stress conditions. Several allelochemicals such as flavanols, stilbenes, and quinones were identified in the extracts, residues, and rhizosphere soil of the knotweeds. The accumulated evidence suggests that some of those allelochemicals in knotweeds may be released into the rhizosphere soil through the decomposition process of their plant parts, and the exudation from their rhizomes and roots. Those allelochemicals may inhibit the germination and growth of native plants, and suppress the mycorrhizal colonization of native plants, which provides the knotweeds with a competitive advantage, and interrupts the regeneration processes of native plants. Therefore, allelopathy of knotweeds may contribute to establishing their new habitats in the introduced ranges as invasive plant species. It is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of knotweeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alien Flora—Adaptation to Novel Ecosystems and Traits for Success)

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