Expansion of Tussilago farfara L. in disturbed environments. II. Population reaction to simulated cultivation

Abstract

The effects of systematic cutting, fragmentation and burying on weeded and renewing fallow plots on the density and morphological properties of vegetative and generative <i>Tussilago farfara</i> shoots were studied. As the presence of other species increased on fallow plots, the <i>T. farfara</i> population regressed. Under such conditions, fragmentation and burying ensured the renewal and expansion of individuals and persistence of the population. On weeded plots, however, additional cultivation reduced the population density and mean values of the analyzed shoot parameters. These results show that systematic cultivation is a prerequisite for persistence of <i>T. farfara</i> populations. Its favourable effect is exerted through eliminating potential competitors