Observations from seedbank studies on Solanum mauritianum Scop. (bugweed) in a pine plantation, South Africa

Goodall, Jeremy; Denny, R. P.; Campbell, P. L.

doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.05.012

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…In South Africa, Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (commonly known as bugweed) is a broad-leafed perennial tree that originates from South America and has invaded approximately 80 500 ha of the country (Henderson 2001;Cowie et al 2018). Traits that make bugweed invasive include: (i) its ability to flower and fruit continuously (Witkowski & Garner 2008), (ii) its ability to produce numerous seeds which are bird-dispersed, thus allowing seeds to travel far (Goodall et al 2017), (iii) its ability to displace native vegetation through the creation of monostands (Olckers 2011), (iv) its ability to regenerate rapidly after felling (Cowie et al 2018) and (v) its allelopathic effect on other plants (Florentine & Westbrooke 2003). In South Africa, bugweed is regarded as a transformer species, implying dense infestations can alter soil nutrient composition, displace native species and alter ecosystem structure and function (Henderson 2001;van den Bosch et al 2004;Atkinson et al 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Traits that make bugweed invasive include: (i) its ability to flower and fruit continuously (Witkowski & Garner 2008), (ii) its ability to produce numerous seeds which are bird‐dispersed, thus allowing seeds to travel far (Goodall et al . 2017), (iii) its ability to displace native vegetation through the creation of monostands (Olckers 2011), (iv) its ability to regenerate rapidly after felling (Cowie et al . 2018) and (v) its allelopathic effect on other plants (Florentine & Westbrooke 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects ofSolanum mauritianumScopoli (bugweed) invasion on soil and vegetation in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

Ruwanza

2021

Austral Ecology

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This study examined the effects of Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (bugweed) invasion on soil properties and vegetation diversity and cover on three paired invaded and uninvaded sites in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province of South Africa. Soils were analysed for pH, total P, C, N and exchangeable cations of Na, K, Ca and Mg. In addition, soil moisture content, penetration resistance levels and soil water repellency were measured over three months. Vegetation diversity and cover were surveyed in plots measuring 10 9 10 m in both invaded and uninvaded sites. Results showed that soil pH, nutrient concentrations of total P, N, C, cations of K, Ca and Mg, soil penetration resistance levels and water repellency were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the invaded than uninvaded sites. Soil moisture were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the uninvaded than invaded sites. Vegetation diversity and cover were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the invaded than uninvaded sites. Results indicate that bugweed invasion alters some soil properties and negatively impact native species diversity and cover. These results provide the first evidence in South Africa that bugweed invasion contributes to soil changes and vegetation displacement, therefore, the need to manage it through clearing.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects ofSolanum mauritianumScopoli (bugweed) invasion on soil and vegetation in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

Ruwanza

2021

Austral Ecology

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“…Inflorescences produce flowers throughout the year and regularly bear globular fruits that are consumed by frugivorous birds and bats, ensuring long-distance seed dispersal (Jordaan, Johnson, & Downs, 2011;Olckers, 2011). Mature trees can produce up to 200,000 viable seeds annually, contributing to extensive seed banks that sustain the weed's populations (Goodall, Denny, & Campbell, 2017) and facilitate its reinvasion after chemical or mechanical control operations (Olckers, 2009). In South Africa, S. mauritianum populations inhabit a range of soils, vegetation types and climatic zones, but are particularly prevalent in the eastern higher rainfall regions of the country, where their distribution ranges from coastal to high-altitude areas (Henderson, 2001;Olckers, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Persistence of the flowerbud weevil Anthonomus santacruzi in optimal versus marginal areas: implications for the biological control of the invasive tree Solanum mauritianum in South Africa

Mkhize

Olckers

2019

Biocontrol Science and Technology

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Anthonomus santacruzi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was released in South Africa to offset the extensive reproductive output of the invasive tree Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae). Widespread establishment has occurred predominantly in the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal province, with limited success in higher-altitude inland areas. Irrespective of location, populations exhibit peaks in the austral autumn and decline during winter. In this study, we evaluated the persistence of A. santacruzi populations in climatically-optimal coastal areas versus climaticallymarginal inland areas. The weevil's pre-and post-winter abundance was surveyed at six coastal and six inland sites during 2018, and compared between areas and seasons. The 2018 prewinter data were also compared to 2016 pre-winter data collected at the same sites. During 2018, pre-and post-winter numbers were six times and 22 times higher, respectively, at optimal sites than at marginal sites, with substantial winter declines at all sites. Postwinter weevil numbers at optimal sites were significantly higher than pre-winter numbers at marginal sites. Pre-winter numbers at optimal sites were not significantly different between 2016 and 2018, but at marginal sites were significantly lower in 2018. Inflorescences of S. mauritianum at marginal sites contained significantly more floral material and fruit than those at optimal sites, during both seasons in 2018. Significant negative correlations between A. santacruzi numbers and floral/fruit production suggest some impact on the reproductive output of S. mauritianum. Since A. santacruzi populations are barely persisting in marginal areas, releases in other South African provinces should target locations that are below 300 m in altitude.

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A review of Solanum mauritianum biocontrol: prospects, promise and problems: a way forward for South Africa and globally

et al. 2017

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The invasive tree Solanum mauritianum Scopoli remains one of the world's most widespread environmental weeds. Despite biocontrol providing one of the few viable long-term solutions to tackling S. mauritianum invasions globally, only South Africa and, more recently, New Zealand, have programmes in place. Ongoing biocontrol efforts against S. mauritianum are reviewed here with particular reference to South Africa. The South African programme has suffered a troubled history, with considerable research efforts culminating in the eventual release and establishment of only two insect agents, Gargaphia decoris Drake and Anthonomus santacruzi Hustache. The difficulties experienced have hindered research into new agents, causing apprehension in using biocontrol internationally. However, recent studies have demonstrated that biocontrol may be deserving of renewed investment, particularly within an integrated management context. In this review, we advocate for the revival of the S. mauritianum biocontrol programme in South Africa, and discuss possible avenues for future research internationally.

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Observations from seedbank studies on Solanum mauritianum Scop. (bugweed) in a pine plantation, South Africa

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Effects ofSolanum mauritianumScopoli (bugweed) invasion on soil and vegetation in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

Effects ofSolanum mauritianumScopoli (bugweed) invasion on soil and vegetation in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

Persistence of the flowerbud weevil Anthonomus santacruzi in optimal versus marginal areas: implications for the biological control of the invasive tree Solanum mauritianum in South Africa

A review of Solanum mauritianum biocontrol: prospects, promise and problems: a way forward for South Africa and globally

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