Variation of Parthenium hysterophorus in response to soil quality: implications for invasiveness

Annapurna, C. ; Singh, J. S. (2003) Variation of Parthenium hysterophorus in response to soil quality: implications for invasiveness Weed Research, 43 (3). pp. 190-198. ISSN 0043-1737

Full text not available from this repository.

Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3180.2003.00332.x

Abstract

The performance of Parthenium hysterophorus, native to the tropical Americas and invasive to several countries, was evaluated for response to soil quality. Phenological (six stages) and quantitative growth variables [relative growth rates in height (Rh) and diameter (Rd)] were measured every fortnight. Based on harvest data, the variables, root:shoot (R:S) ratio, specific leaf area (SLA), relative growth rate in biomass (Rw), net assimilation rate (NAR) and dry matter allocation to plant components, were determined. High clay content in soils prolonged the rosette stage, enhanced Rh and Rd and hampered root growth, but promoted biomass allocation to shoots. The extreme degree of plant mortality was observed, with only 33.3% individuals surviving to reproduce in the soils with highest clay contents. This appears to be one of the most important findings that certainly has a major bearing on the range of adaptation of the weed. Seed mass declined whereas seed production increased in relatively coarser soils with the exception of nearly pure sand. In soils rich in clay, plants produced a smaller number of larger seeds. These data suggest that variation in fundamental functional traits would enable P. hysterophorus to adjust to a variety of habitat conditions.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to John Wiley and Sons.
Keywords:Biomass Partitioning; Invasiveness; Leaf Traits; Parthenium hysterophorus; Relative Growth Rates; Seed Traits; Soil Quality; Variation
ID Code:72918
Deposited On:03 Dec 2011 05:40
Last Modified:03 Dec 2011 05:40

Repository Staff Only: item control page