Factors Affecting Seed Germination of the Invasive Species Symphyotrichum lanceolatum and Their Implication for Invasion Success

Abstract

Invasive species Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G. L. Nesom is spreading uncontrollably along wet habitats as well as in disturbed ecosystems. All those habitats function as corridors that facilitate seed dispersal. One way to prevent the spread of invasive species is to know their reproductive ecology. The present study evaluates the potential for generative reproduction of S. lanceolatum and determines how different temperatures, amounts of nutrients, and light regimes, affect seed germination. Seeds collected from 13 natural populations were germinated at four fluctuating temperature regimes (15/6, 20/10, 30/15, and 35/20 °C). To test the influence of nitrate on seed germination, two KNO3 concentrations were used (5 mM and 50 mM solution). For each treatment, three replicates of 30 seeds were placed in complete darkness or a 14 h photoperiod. The results showed that the germination increased with increasing temperature. The optimal temperature regimes were 30/15 °C and 35/20 °C with approximately 88% germination. The overall effect of KNO3 on germination was positive. The concentration of 50 mM KNO3 had a less stimulating effect compared to 5 mM KNO3. Seeds showed sensitivity to lack of light during germination but were able to germinate in a significant percentage in such conditions. Considering that S. lanceolatum often occurs in disturbed sites, these results suggest that seed reaction to alternating temperature, nutrients concentration, and light can be determining factors that affect seed germination of this species and, thus, its spread.

The importance of forests in the environment

“…Производи и услуге засноване на шумама имају кључну улогу у предвиђеној транзицији ка циркуларној економији (Winkel et al 2022). Инвазивне врсте данас представљају једну од највећих пријетњи биодиверзитету (Bjedov et al 2018;Skočajić et al 2020;Nešić et al 2022), а њихова интродукција представља опасност за структуру и састав заједница и за екосистемске процесе (Obratov-Petković et al 2016;Нешић 2017). Инвазивне врсте се брзо шире и у шумама па је због тога на снази и неколико закона и уредби које регулишу ширење инвазивних врста у природним и полуприродним стаништима (Langmaier and Lapin 2020).…”

Effect of selected environmental factors on the seed germination of the invasive species Polygala myrtifolia (Polygalaceae) in Australia

“…Invasive plants species have a range of traits that enable establishment and persistence across different habitats, and pose a significant threat to global biodiversity (Kaushik et al 2022). Reproductive traits relating to seed production, dispersal, dormancy and germination all influence a species' colonising ability, therefore an understanding of their reproductive ecology can inform effective management and prevent further spread (Nešić et al 2022).…”

Germination of the exotic Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. (Apocynaceae) in Mexico

“…For example,Vieira et al (2010) found that seeds of Clausena excavata Burm. f. is neutrally photoblastic within a temperature range from 20 to 35 °C, Guerrero-Eloísa (2017) reported a neutral photoblastism for Asphodelus fistulosus sown under different conditions, Díaz-Segura et al (2020) report neutral photoblastic seeds of Leonotis nepetifolia under five different light intensities andNešić et al (2022) suggested that Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G.L.…”