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Biochemical contribution toward spatial and temporal scale in colonization and spread of invasive species Heracleum sosnowskyi across river Nemunas slopes
Date Issued |
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2012 |
Recent studies suggest that riverbanks are considered a significant corridor for invasive plants spread. However, the mechanisms by which invasive plants affect native plant species were less well known. We conducted lab experiments to test the hypothesis that the invasive H. sosnowskyi which established in river Nemunas slopes, may affect plants germination through exudation of allelochemicals. All the parts of H. sosnowskyi produce phenolics, and thus inhibit acceptor-species seed germination. The obtained data indicated that the character of phytotoxic impact of H. sosnowskyi aqueous extracts on the germination data significantly subjected on plant age (1-year, 2-year), different plant parts (shoot; stem, leaf, blossom, seed; root), growth stage (rosette-ripening) and extract concentration (0.02-0.2%). The strongest phytotoxicity of H. sosnowskyi was determined at flowering stage due to highest TPC (30.42 mg ml-1). The results suggested a new insight that invasive plant species may acquire spreading advantage in new territories by using allelochemicals to inhibit germination. Therefore, it is not only H. sosnowskyi giant size, vigor uptake of nutrition material, and reproduction of high seed yield but also biochemical activity that makes a substantial contribution to the plant invasion.