Expansion of Tussilago farfara L. in disturbed environments. l. Population renewal under conditions of plant cover destruction

Abstract

The effectiveness of renewal of a <i>Tussilago farfara</i> L. population after destruction of the plant cover was studied. This process proceded at a very intense rate mainly due to querilla type vegetative growth. In its successive years the renewing population was characterized by: 1) a dynamic spurt in the number of individuals in the first year after destruction, attaining a maximum the following year; 2) a complete lack of generative shoots in the first year; 3) high mortality of seedlings; 4) change in spatial structure; 5) increased differentiation in the way individual plants spread. Seven-year studies have shown that even drastic disturbances in the environment did not eliminate <i>T. farfara</i>, moreover, complete destruction of the plant cover created favourable conditions for population renewal

Impact of ski piste management on mountain grassland ecosystems in the Southern Alps

“…For these reasons, its stomatal conductance may not be affected by the surplus of water typical of this disturbed environment and other mechanisms may be involved. On the other hand, TF is a common pioneer species, abundant in disturbed environment, also in rafting sites (Namura-Ochalska 1993), where it can spread thanks to its clonal propagation (Dalbato et al 2014). Despite its adaptive potential, its response on the ski piste suggests that its Amax remains unchanged, whereas its gs was significantly reduced.…”

Halophytic Clonal Plant Species: Important Functional Aspects for Existence in Heterogeneous Saline Habitats

“…Tussilago farfara is a typical pioneer species, usually colonizing various open and ruderal habitats by long-distance wind dispersal of seeds and further expanding locally by means of long branching rhizomes, resulting in guerilla-type clonal growth [237]. Generative and vegetative stages are separated, as flowering stems without leaves are formed in early spring, followed by growth of leaves and clonal parts later in the season [238]. Rhizomes contain carbohydrate resources, water, and minerals to sustain flowering during the leafless period as well as growth of leaves and new clonal structures [239].…”

“…ative and vegetative stages are separated, as flowering stems without leaves are formed in early spring, followed by growth of leaves and clonal parts later in the season [238]. Rhizomes contain carbohydrate resources, water, and minerals to sustain flowering during the leafless period as well as growth of leaves and new clonal structures [239].…”

“…Thus, 6 cm long rhizome fragments can emerge from 42 cm depth and exhibit normal development [241]. As a result, even complete destruction of vegetation is favorable for the renewal of T. farfara population [238].…”

Effect of rhizome fragment length and burial depth on emergence of Tussilago farfara

“…The rhizomes of T. farfara reach great depths and tolerate soil cultivation (Håkansson, ); their distribution is frequently below ploughing depth, at 30–50 cm (personal observation). Also, as the species is sensitive to interspecific competition (Bakker, ; Leuchs, ; Myerscough & Whitehead, ; Namura‐Ochalska, ), it benefits from a disturbed environment (Namura‐Ochalska, ). As chemical control is not permitted in organic farming, effective mechanical weed management is the key to successful crop production (Bond & Grundy, ).…”