Reproductive traits associated with invasiveness in Conyza sumatrensis

Abstract

Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. Walker, a member of Asteraceae, is a highly invasive species. However, its reproduction biology remains poorly known. To understand the role of reproductive traits in successful invasion of the species, we studied several traits of its reproductive system: the miniature capitulum and gynomonoecious sexual system, the biology and phenology of capitula and florets, pollen/ovule ratio, the mating system (selfcompatibility), flower visitors, physical traits and dispersal potential of achenes, germination potential of achenes from manually pollinated capitula, and the association of these traits with invasiveness. Our study showed that the reproductive traits of autonomous seed production, versatile mating system of self-and cross-pollination, and generalized pollination system might contribute to the species' successful invasive capability. The invasiveness was further enhanced by the high and rapid production of achenes, as well as the high percentage, rapid germination rate and high dispersal capability of achenes. It was concluded that in annual or winter-annual weeds, autonomous seed production contributed significantly to the invasiveness of the species.

Do Native Parasitic Plants Cause More Damage to Exotic Invasive Hosts Than Native Non-Invasive Hosts? An Implication for Biocontrol

“…Bidens pilosa and B. bipinnata are annual branching herbs belonging to the family Asteraceae. B. pilosa is native to tropical America and has spread widely in throughout China [16]. B. bipinnata is native to China and is widely distributed throughout the country [17].…”

The reproductive biology of Stellera chamaejasme (Thymelaeaceae): A self-incompatible weed with specialized flowers

“…Plants can become weedy or invasive only if they manage to successfully reproduce in their new range of occurrence, where pollinators or mates may be scarce or unavailable (Richardson et al, 2000). Therefore, the knowledge of reproductive biology of weeds is critical also for designing management strategies for weeds (Gross et al, 2010;Hao et al, 2009;Richardson et al, 2000;Rodger et al, 2010;Sutherland, 2004;van Kleunen and Johnson, 2007). Although generalized pollination systems and autonomous selfing are important mechanisms of successful reproduction for a weed, the role of a specialized pollination system and an outcrossing mating system influencing weed invasion is still unclear (Rodger et al, 2010).…”

Edaphic Conditions, Aboveground Carbon Stocks and Plant Diversity on Nickel Mine Tailings Dump Vegetated with Senegalia polyacantha (Willd.) Seigler & Ebinger

“…The four herbaceous plant species that were present in ≥3 terraces (Table ) are either invasive or weeds that colonise disturbed sites. Conyza sumatrensis (Case & Crawley, ; Hao et al , ), Commelina bengalensis (Webster et al , ), Tagetes minuta and Bidens pilosa (Brandão et al , ). Even plants that occurred in ≤2 terraces only were weeds except Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.)…”