Adaptive Strategies of Structures that Enhance Invasion in Sicyos angulatus

Abstract

Sicyos angulatus may become an extremely dangerous invasive plant depending on its ability to naturalize and outcompete other species. To further understand the adaptive strategies of structures that could enhance its competitiveness, field surveys and experimental studies were conducted in plant communities where invasion may occur. The results showed that multistage branches of tendrils ensured that the plants could climb higher to strive for better photosynthetic opportunities. The single fleshy fruit of the infructescence was carpeted with slender white spines on which dense barbs were arranged, which could defend fruits against herbivores and contributed to long-distance dispersal. There would be beaklike lignified thorn forming to continue spreading when most of the barbed spines fell off during the fruit season. Rootstock was found in this herbaceous vine, which could accumulate various storage substances during development and helped the plants spread in harsh conditions. Moreover, the discovery of ants as new pollinators enriched the pollination system of S. angulatus, which greatly enhanced pollination efficiency. Above all, we conclude that this species has diverse adaptive strategies and a strong invasive capacity. It is urgent to find some way to slow or even stop its invasion effectively.
 
 *********
 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 4, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
 *********

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of the Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae)

“…The high invasiveness is likely derived from its competitive ability of crowding out the neighboring plants (Zhao et al. 2019 ). Its vines can pull a crop to the ground, making crop harvesting nearly impossible, so it is problem to corn and soybean farmers (Esbenshade et al.…”

Pollination biology of Sicyos angulatus: An invasive plant primarily pollinated by the native insects and introduced honeybee Apis mellifera

“…Moreover, Zhao et al (2019) noted the visitation of ants to male burcucumber flowers in the introduced region in China. Our study in the introduced region in Japan confirmed that ants ( Lasius sp., Oligomyrmex sp., and Pristomyrmex punctatus ) visited and fed on nectar from male and female burcucumber inflorescences in the afternoon in the NG population (Figure S2a).…”

“…Each flower is inconspicuous and whitish‐yellow‐green in color (Figure 1a). Male flowers are slightly larger than female flowers, with diameters of 6–10 and 4–6 mm, respectively (Zhao et al, 2019). In Japan, the flowering period extends from July to November, with no differences in floral morphology between flowers that bloom in the early, peak, or late season.…”

The Relationships of Habitat Conditions, Height Level, and Geographical Position with Fruit and Seed Traits in Populations of Invasive Vine Echinocystis lobata (Cucurbitaceae) in Central and Eastern Europe

“…Vines of Cucurbitaceae are commonly cultivated as ornamental, edible, and medicinal plants [11,12]. Unfortunately, many of them easily escape from their cultivation sites and become established and invasive in new areas [13,14]. Successful invasion of alien vines of Cucurbitaceae can be explained by their fast growth and various methods of dispersal.…”