scholarly journals Variable Effects on Benthic Community From Diking to Eradicate Invasive Plants in the Yangtze Estuary Salt Marsh

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sikai Wang ◽  
Qiang Sheng ◽  
Feng Zhao ◽  
Tingting Zhang ◽  
Ping Zhuang

The removal of invasive plants is a global concern, and ecological restoration methods have been a major research topic in recent years. In the estuarine salt marsh of the Yangtze River, dikes are typically used in ecological restoration projects to eradicate the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora. We explored ways of optimizing dike construction and of providing an effective basis for the wetland ecological control and protection of biodiversity and analyzed the effects on the macrobenthos of fully and partially dikes. The measurement of the quantitative change in macrobenthos diversity and species composition was carried out in the project area and in a control before (2013) and after (2016) dike construction. Results showed that the number of species and average density decreased significantly in the fully diked enclosed area but increased in the partially diked semi-enclosed area. Outside the project area, all site samples showed increased species richness and average density after dike construction. This study indicated that macrobenthos was negatively affected by the dike project in the inside diked area. However, when the tidewater canals were preserved to maintain the connection between the inside and outside areas, there was a positive effect on macrobenthos in the project area. We suggest that canals are preserved while diking in the salt marsh and that gates are opened regularly to maintain the water and nutrient connectedness inside and outside the dike. The diking project mostly affected mollusks and polychaetes, which are the indispensable food sources for birds and fish. The study provides valid evidence for the management of estuarine salt marsh and the protection of macrobenthos.

Pedosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 884-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lian CHEN ◽  
Jianhua GAO ◽  
Qingguang ZHU ◽  
Yaping WANG ◽  
Yang YANG

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-160
Author(s):  
Arjun C.P ◽  
Anoop V.K ◽  
Tijo K.J ◽  
Anoopkumar T.K ◽  
Roshnath R

Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013) - May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of 128 species recorded from the five families; Nymphalidae (46 species) Lycaenidae (28 species), Hesperiidae (22 species), Pieridae (17 species) and Papilionidae (15 species) respectively. During the survey invasive plant species were also recorded. There were 36 species of invasive plants from 18 families identified from the study area. More butterflies were attracted towards nectar offering invasive plants. Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetumpolystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination. Even though nectar offered by the plants are supportive for growth, in long run these species can affect butterfly population bydeclining native host larval plant species for butterfly reproduction. Invasive species compete with the native flora and reduce its population. Management practices like physical, chemical and modern bio control measures could be used for eradicating of invasive plants. Wise use of invasive plants for other economical purpose such as bio-fuel, medicinal purpose, bio-pesticide and handicraft could be suggested. Successful management of invasive species are needed for conserving Lepidoptera fauna and other native biota of the area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-53
Author(s):  
Miftahul Mukarromah ◽  
Ari Hayati ◽  
Hasan Zayadi

Balekambang Beach is the most visited beach destination in Malang Regency until the end of 2015. One of the invasive pathways of invasive plants is Tourism. The purpose of this study was to identify invasive plant species, diversity and compare the value of the diversity index with abiotic factors.This research method is descriptive with systematic sampling techniques using Belt Transect, and measurements of abiotic factors include edafic factors and climatic micro factors. Invasive alien plant species found in the Balekambang coastal forest are identified as seventeen species namely (Hemighraphis glaucescens), (Oplismenus sp), (Amomum coccineum), (Arenga obtusifolia), (Leucaena leucochephana), (Mimosa sp), (Cassia siamea), (Eupatorium odoratum), (Hyptis capitata), (Cynodon dactylon), (Sida rhombifolia), (Synedrella nudiflora), (Chromolaena odorata),  (Leucaena leucochepala), (Mimosa pudica), and (Ruellia tuberosa) with the index value of invasive plant diversity in protected forests and production classified as high compared to mangroves. The results of the diversity index value with abiotic factors showed a positive (+) direction on soil sailinity where the R2 value was 0.5606 or 50%, which means it showed a relationship between soil salinity and an abundance of invasive plants in Balekambang coastal forest area of 50%.  Keywords:invasive plants, Balekambang beach, belt transect, diversity ABSTRAK Pantai Balekambang adalah destinasi wisata alam pantai di Kabupaten Malang yang paling banyak dikunjungi hingga akhir tahun 2015.Salah satu jalur invasi dari tumbuhan invasif adalah Tourism (Wisata). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi jenis tumbuhan invasif, keanekaragaman dan membandingkan nilai indeks keanekaragaman dengan faktor abiotik. Metode penelitian ini deskriptif dengan tehnik pengambilan sampling secara sistematis menggunakan Belt Transect, dan pengukuran faktor abiotik meliputi faktor edafik dan faktor mikro klimatik. Jenis spesies tumbuhan asing invasif yang terdapat di hutan pantai Balekambang diidentifikasi sebanyak tujuh belas spesies yaitu Hemighraphis glaucescens, Oplismenus sp, Amomum coccineum, Arenga obtusifolia, Leucaena leucochephana, Mimosa sp, Cassia siamea, Eupatorium odoratum, Hyptis capitata, Cynodon dactylon, Sida rhombifolia, Synedrella nudiflora.Chromolaena odorata, Leucaena leucochepala, Mimosa pudica, dan Ruellia tuberose dengan nilai indeks keanekaragaman tumbuhan invasif pada hutan lindung dan produksi tergolong tinggi dibanding mangrove. Hasil analisis uji korelasi nilai indeks keanekaragaman dengan faktor abiotik menunjukkan arah positif (+) pada salinitas tanah dimana nilai R2 sebesar 0.5606 atau 50%, yang artinya menunjukkan hubungan antara salinitas tanah dengan kelimpahan tumbuhan invasif di kawasan hutan pantai Balekambang sebesar 50%. Kata kunci: tumbuhan invasif, pantai Balekambang, belt transect, keanekaragaman


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Cielle Stephens

Ecological restoration often involves revegetation. I have investigated the impact of revegetation on the distribution, abundance and body condition of skinks on Stephens Island (Takapourewa). I tested the prediction that only one, Oligosoma infrapunctatum, of the four skink species (Oligosoma lineoocellatum, O. nigriplantare polychroma, O. infrapunctatum andO. zelandicum) will benefit in terms of abundance and distribution from revegetation. Stephens Island is a Wildlife Sanctuary in the north-western Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. The island is known for its diverse and abundant reptile community. Prior to the mid 19th century Stephens Island was covered in forest. Nearly 80% of this forest was destroyed following the establishment of a lighthouse and farm on the island in 1894. In 1989, when the control of Stephens Island passed to the Department of Conservation, reforestation became a key conservation goal. Stephens Island is currently a mosaic of different habitat types from pasture to coastal forest. Pitfall traps caught skinks for a mark-recapture study in four replicated habitat types: forest, tussock, pasture and replanted.<br><br>Oligosoma lineoocellatum comprised 75% of all individuals caught. Densities of O. lineoocellatum were higher in replanted habitat (3020/ha in December and 3770/ha in March) than tussock (2690/ha in December and 2560/ha in March) and lowest in the pasture (1740/hain December and 1960/ha in March). Rates of captures were too low to perform density estimates for the other three species. Trap occupancy rates indicate O. nigriplantare polychroma is more common in the tussock habitat, and O. infrapunctatum is more common in the replanted habitat. Few O. zelandicum were found, primarily in the tussock habitat. Pasture areas replanted 13 years ago (now scrub habitat) support a higher diversity and abundance of skinks. Forest areas remain depauperate of skinks. Skink preference for replanted areas suggests that, for now, revegetation benefits their populations, possibly due to greater food sources, lower predation pressure and a wider thermal range.<br><br>Body condition (log weight/ log snout-vent length) and proportion of tail loss of skinks were similar in the different habitat types. However, both O. nigriplantare polychroma and O.lineoocellatum had higher body condition in the replanted than the tussock habitat. Juvenile skinks had significantly lower body condition and a lower proportion of tail loss. Skink body condition was not negatively affected by revegetation or by different habitats, despite the large differences between the habitats. Revegetation currently benefits skink populations. Maintaining a mosaic of habitat types is recommended, because, should revegetation create more forest habitat through plantations or plant succession, it is likely that the population of all four species of skink will decline.<br>


2020 ◽  
pp. 27-46
Author(s):  
Anja Kalinic ◽  
Ivana Bjedov ◽  
Dragica Obratov-Petkovic ◽  
Jelena Tomicevic-Dubljevic

The floristic diversity of Deliblato sands SNR is significantly endangered by the spread of invasive plants. In addition to field research, which included the collection of plant material in the area of Deliblato sands SNR, primary and secondary data was collected in this paper. The primary data for the purposes of this study was obtained by applying a questionnaire technique to the management of the protected area - PE ?Vojvodinasume? and an expert interview technique to a representative of the Provincial Institute for Nature Conservation. The secondary data was collected to gain a better and broader understanding of the management of Deliblato sands SNR. Based on the field investigations, the analysis of primary and secondary data on invasive plant species was also recognized as a key threatening factor. An analysis of the floristic structure and composition of these plant species, their origin, as well as the manner of their propagation and reproduction was carried out, in order to make a recommendation on the preventive measures for the protection and suppression of invasive plant species and to improve the habitat. In the area of Deliblato sands SNR, 39 invasive plant species (4,33% of the total flora) were found with different invasiveness categories, among which herbaceous, annual, North American species from the Compositae family prevail. Protection measures include the mapping of habitats of invasive species, establishing cooperation with managers and scientific institutions, constant monitoring of endangered habitats and plant species, as well as the creation of a special sector responsible for enhancing biodiversity.


Author(s):  
Johannes J. le Roux

Abstract Microbes are omnipresent, yet their interactions with invasive plants remain understudied. This is surprising, given the importance of microbes in plant community ecology and their influence on plant performance in new environments. Recent advances in molecular genetic approaches have opened the door to studying this unseen majority in great detail and to understand how they fit into ecological interaction networks. Molecular approaches allow rapid assessments of microbial diversity at reasonable cost while providing both taxonomic and evolutionary information. Here I discuss how these approaches have contributed to a better understanding of plant-microbial interactions in the context of biological invasions. By drawing insights from various case studies, I illustrate how next-generation sequencing (DNA barcoding) has revolutionized the way we understand such interactions. Tight-knit and coevolved mutualist (e.g. mycorrhizal) and antagonist (e.g. pathogen) interactions appear particularly promising to understand the structure and function of invasive plant-microbial interaction networks, the impacts of invasive plants on native networks and the vulnerability of native networks to infiltration by non-native species. I also discuss novel ways in which molecular data can aid the study of invasive plant-microbial interactions, such as incorporating phylogenetic data into network analyses to better understand the role of evolutionary history in network dynamics and how such dynamics respond to plant invasions. DNA barcoding of microbes also presents unique challenges to the study of network ecology, such as uncertainty in the legitimacy and efficiency of interactions. Future research should incorporate overall plant-associated microbial communities (microbiomes) into interaction networks to better understand the role microbes play during plant invasions.


Author(s):  
Amy E. Kendig ◽  
S. Luke Flory ◽  
Erica M. Goss ◽  
Robert D. Holt ◽  
Keith Clay ◽  
...  

Abstract Plant-pathogen interactions occur throughout the process of plant invasion: pathogens can acutely influence plant survival and reproduction, while the large densities and spatial distributions of invasive plant species can influence pathogen communities. However, interactions between invasive plants and pathogens are often overlooked during the early stages of invasion. As with introductions of invasive plants, the introduction of agricultural crops to new areas can also generate novel host-pathogen interactions. The close monitoring of agricultural plants and resulting insights can inform hypotheses for invasive plants where research on pathogen interactions is lacking. This chapter reviews the known and hypothesized effects of pathogens on the invasion process and the effects of plant invasion on pathogens and infectious disease dynamics throughout the process of invasion. Initially, pathogens may inhibit the transport of potentially invasive plants. After arrival in a new range, pathogens can facilitate or inhibit establishment success of introduced plants depending on their relative impacts on the introduced plants and resident species. As invasive plants spread, they may encounter novel pathogens and alter the abundance and geographic range of pathogens. Pathogens can mediate interactions between invasive plants and resident species and may influence the long-term impacts of invasive plants on ecosystems. As invasive plants shift the composition of pathogen communities, resident species could be subject to higher disease risk. We highlight gaps in invasion biology research by providing examples from the agricultural literature and propose topics that have received little attention from either field.


Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Simmons ◽  
Vitelli ◽  
Csurhes

Building on the advances in molecular technology, two genetic based tools are being developedby Biosecurity Queensland to improve conventional invasive plant detection, monitoring andcontrol. [...]


2014 ◽  
Vol 378 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 253-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Feng Xiao ◽  
Yu Long Feng ◽  
Douglas A. Schaefer ◽  
Xiao Dong Yang

Weed Science ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 626-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk W. Davies ◽  
Roger L. Sheley

Controlling invasive plant infestations is very costly and often unsuccessful. Preventing invasions is more cost-effective than controlling invasive plants after they are established. Because prevention guidelines do not suggest any tools or methods to limit wind dispersal of invasive plant seeds, we investigated the influence of neighboring vegetation height on seed dispersal of a wind-dispersed (yellow salsify) and nonwind-dispersed (medusahead) species. To examine the influence of neighboring vegetation height on dispersal, seeds of both species were released in front of an artificial stand of desert wheatgrass in a modified wind tunnel. Treatments were a complete factorial design with two species, four vegetation heights (10, 30, 40, and 60 cm), three wind speeds (3, 5.5, and 10 km h−1), and three release distances from the neighboring vegetation (0, 15, and 30 cm). The ability of medusahead and yellow salsify seeds to disperse was influenced by the height of neighboring vegetation. Increasing height of neighboring vegetation decreased the number of yellow salsify seeds dispersing across neighboring vegetation. The greatest percentage of medusahead seeds dispersed across the neighboring vegetation was at the shortest height. Based on these results, we suggest that maintaining or promoting tall vegetation neighboring invasive plant infestations may reduce wind dispersal of seeds. More research is needed to investigate the influence of varying heights, densities, structural attributes, and composition of vegetation neighboring infestations and the dispersal of invasive plants.


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