engleski

Consistent CSR strategy of daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. despite its high morphological variability – a case study from Zagreb and Medvednica Mt., Croatia

Alongside to direct destruction of natural habitats and changes in land use, invasive species are considered one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. Daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. is, based on available data, among the most widespread invasive plants present in Croatia. Its invasive potential is aided by phenoplasticity, which this research investigates. The variability of life traits (stem height, fresh and dry leaf mass, length, width and leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content) was examined at 18 locations throughout Zagreb and Medvednica Mt. Grime CSR strategies were calculated to plants from each locality based on procedure by Hodgson et al. (1999. OIKOS 85:282-294). Majority of localities were in Zagreb, given the dense forest vegetation prevailing on Medvednica Mt. which is not a suitable habitat for daisy fleabane. Overall, 87 plant specimens and 435 leaves were measured and analysed using univariate and multivariate statistics. Plants from all localities exhibited CR strategy except for two localities with C/CR plant strategy. Populations with a more pronounced competitive strategy (i.e. C/CR) had higher leaf dry matter content with smaller and lighter leaves and medium height stems. All measured stems reached height between 60 – 166 cm. A population with highest stems and largest leaves inhabited well lit and nutrient rich environment, secluded from the wind. Using ANOVA test, significant differences between localities were found. According to the Tukey post-hoc tests, proportion of significant differences between pairs of localities varied from 51-76% with Specific Leaf Area and plant height being the most diverse. They were found to be 14% and 12% higher in populations growing at altitudes above 300 meters compared to those growing at lower altitudes, respectively. Hence, focus in subsequent research should be directed towards these characteristics.

plant strategies ; invasive plants ; SLA ; LDMC

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