Impact of Native Plants on Invasive Hydrilla Growth
Author Information
Author(s): Letícia da Costa, Luíz Alberto Vieira, Thaísa Sala Michelan, Alvaro Herrera Vale, Wagner Antonio Chiba de Castro
Primary Institution: Federal University for Latin American Integration
Hypothesis
Competition will negatively influence the development of invasive exotic species.
Conclusion
Native species alter the biomass allocation pattern of the invader, favoring foliar structures over subterranean ones.
Supporting Evidence
- Under interspecific competition, the mean foliar biomass of H. verticillata was significantly higher compared to intraspecific treatment.
- The subterranean biomass was reduced in the presence of native species.
- Communities with higher native diversity tend to be more competitive and resistant to invasion.
Takeaway
When invasive plants compete with native plants, they grow more leaves but fewer roots, which might help them spread but could also make it harder for them to survive.
Methodology
A mesocosm experiment was conducted over six months to evaluate the effects of native submerged aquatic macrophytes on the growth of Hydrilla verticillata under intraspecific and interspecific competition.
Limitations
The study was conducted over a six-month period, which may not capture long-term effects of competition on invasive species.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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